Carnival of Venice – Italy 2026

Background & History

The Carnival of Venice, one of the world’s most iconic festivals, traces its origins to the 11th century, with documented celebrations by 1162 during the victory of the Republic of Venice over the Patriarch of Aquileia. By the 13th century, it became an annual event before Lent, allowing Venetians to revel in anonymity behind masks, blurring social classes. The tradition peaked in the 17th–18th centuries, becoming a European sensation for its lavish masquerade balls and artistic costumes, famously chronicled by figures like Casanova.

Suppressed in 1797 under Napoleon’s rule, it was revived in 1980, restoring its status as a global cultural event. Today, it draws hundreds of thousands to Venice’s canals and squares, celebrating art, history, and creativity through masks, costumes, and grand balls. Its cultural significance lies in its preservation of Venetian heritage and its universal appeal as a festival of self-expression. For a detailed history, visit https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/history/.

Event Highlights

• Main Attractions: The festival features vibrant street parades, mask competitions, and elaborate masquerade balls in historic palaces like Palazzo Ca’ Zen ai Frari and Hotel Monaco. Key events include the Flight of the Angel (a costumed performer descending from St. Mark’s Campanile), the Best Masked Costume Contest, and the Corteo delle Marie parade, showcasing 12 women in Renaissance gowns. Over 500 events include street performances, live music, and art exhibitions.
• Unique Traditions: The “Festa delle Marie” revives medieval pageantry, while the “Volo dell’Angelo” opens the festival with a spectacular aerial display. Attendees don ornate masks (bauta, colombina) and 17th–18th-century costumes, creating a living tableau of Venice’s past. Nightly balls feature period dancing, opera, and theatrical performances.
• Special Features: St. Mark’s Square hosts open-air concerts and mask displays, while canals feature gondola parades with costumed rowers. Workshops offer mask-making and costume design classes. Explore the full program at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/programme/.

Date & Duration

• Dates: January 31–February 17, 2026 (main period: February 6–17)
• Duration: 18 days

Venue / Location

• City: Venice, Italy
• Main Venue: Historic center of Venice, spanning St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and Grand Canal. Key event locations include Palazzo Ca’ Zen ai Frari, Hotel Monaco, and Scuola Grande della Misericordia. Google Maps
• Notable Areas:
  • St. Mark’s Square: Central hub for parades, mask contests, and concerts.
  • Grand Canal: Gondola parades and water processions.
  • Historic Palaces: Venues for masquerade balls (e.g., Palazzo Donà dalle Rose, Palazzetto Pisani).
• Venue Details: See key locations and maps at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/venues/.

Ticket Information

• Sales Process: Public events like parades and St. Mark’s Square activities are free. Tickets for masquerade balls, workshops, and guided tours are sold via official partners like https://www.carnevale.venezia.it, https://www.veneziaopera-tickets.eu, https://www.vivovenetia.com, or https://www.meetingeurope.com. Early booking (from June 2025) is recommended due to high demand.
• Admission (USD, estimated based on 2025 rates):
  • Public Events (St. Mark’s Square, gondola parades): Free
  • Masquerade Balls: $100–$2,200 (minimum: basic side-room ticket; maximum: premium central salon with costume rental, e.g., Carnival in Love Grand Ball)
  • Workshops (mask-making, costume design): $50–$200
  • Guided Tours (cultural or historical): $30–$150
• VIP Options: Premium ball tickets (e.g., Cupid Love Package at $2,200) include central salon access, period costume rentals, and catering. Private gondola tours or exclusive palace dinners offer upscale experiences. Details at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/tickets/.
• Note: 2026 prices will be updated in spring 2025. Book through official sites like https://www.carnevale.venezia.it or trusted partners (https://www.veneziaopera-tickets.eu, https://www.vivovenetia.com) to avoid scams; report fraud to info@carnevale.venezia.it.

Contact Information

• Email: info@carnevale.venezia.it (general inquiries); tickets@carnevale.venezia.it (ticket support)
• Phone: +39 041 241 3800 (Venezia Unica, official ticket office)
• Website: https://www.carnevale.venezia.it (official site), https://www.veneziaopera-tickets.eu, https://www.vivovenetia.com, https://www.meetingeurope.com
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @CarnevaleVenezia
  • Twitter: @CarnevaleVe
  • Facebook: @CarnevaleDiVenezia
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries via press@carnevale.venezia.it; volunteer opportunities limited, check https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/contact/.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English, Italian, and Spanish support available. Contact details at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/contact/.

Cultural Experience

The Carnival of Venice is a dazzling celebration of art, history, and anonymity, rooted in Venetian tradition. Attendees wear elaborate masks (bauta, colombina, volto) and 17th–18th-century costumes, transforming the city into a living Baroque painting. The festival blends high art with street revelry, featuring opera performances, period dances, and mask competitions in St. Mark’s Square. Gondola parades along the Grand Canal and intimate palace balls evoke Venice’s opulent past. The inclusive atmosphere welcomes global visitors, with locals sharing prosecco and stories. Cultural workshops teach mask-making, connecting participants to Venetian craftsmanship. Discover traditions at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/traditions/.

Food & Drinks

• Venetian Classics: Cicchetti (small tapas-like dishes), sarde in saor (sweet-sour sardines), and tiramisù.
• Italian Favorites: Risotto, polenta, baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish), and spritz (Aperol or Campari cocktail).
• Street Food: Fritole (Venetian doughnuts), galani (fried pastries), and panini at St. Mark’s Square stalls. Vegetarian/vegan options available.
• Drinks: Prosecco, Veneto wines, spritz, and non-alcoholic options like Sanpellegrino. Water stations in main squares.
• Dining: Historic cafés like Florian or Quadri offer upscale dining. Food guide at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/food-and-drink/.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Venice Marco Polo (VCE, 13 km); Treviso (TSF, 40 km). Alilaguna water buses or taxis from VCE to Venice.
• Public Transport:
  • Trains: Trenitalia to Venezia Santa Lucia (city center) from Milan (2.5 hours) or Rome (4 hours).
  • Water Buses: ACTV vaporettos connect Venice’s islands and mainland; buy passes at https://www.veneziaunica.it.
  • Gondolas/Water Taxis: Private transport for scenic arrivals.
• Parking: Limited; use Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma lots, then take vaporetto. Book at https://www.veneziaunica.it/en/parking.
• Other: Walking is primary in Venice’s car-free center; water taxis for faster travel. Travel tips at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/practical-information/travel/.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: 3–5 star options like Hotel Danieli or Ca’ Sagredo in Venice’s historic center. Book via https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/accommodation/ or https://www.vivovenetia.com.
• Local Options: Airbnbs, B&Bs, or guesthouses in Cannaregio or San Marco; book 6–12 months early.
• Mainland: Budget hotels in Mestre (10 km), with vaporetto access. No on-site camping.
• Packages: Tour operators offer packages with ball tickets and accommodations. Explore at https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/packages/.
• Recommendation: Book early through https://www.carnevale.venezia.it or https://www.veneziaopera-tickets.eu for reliable options.