The tradition of the Venetian Carnival goes back a long way in Venetian history... its origins date back to the Middle Ages, while the festivities reached their golden age as early as the 15th century, accompanying the insolent success of the Republic of Venice at the height of its power.
Carnival in Venice was an opportunity for everyone to mingle with the rest of the city's population, for a short while erasing social differences. It was accompanied by games, performances and, of course, masks and disguises in the run-up to Mardi Gras.
Today, the tradition of Venice Carnival lives on: In February, for a fortnight, the squares, campi and cafés are filled with astonishing masked characters in the traditional costumes for which the event is famous the world over. A very special way to discover Venice...
Venice Carnival
- © Tomas Marek / ShutterstockVenice 's Carnival has always been a feature of the city's calendar: this great popular festival strengthened social cohesion in the Serenissima thanks to the anonymity offered by masks and disguises. The powerful and the poor could rub shoulders at the parties, games and sacrifices organised during Carnival.
There's no doubt about it, it's Carnival in Venice!
- © Pajor Pawel / ShutterstockThe mask, the key element of a Carnival costume, first appeared in the 13th century: there are still craftsmen in Venice who specialise in creating masks by hand! By the 16th century, the event had become so famous that it attracted European princes eager to indulge in the festivities...
The myth of the Venetian Carnival was complete in the 18th century, with its great figures such as Casanova, its transgressive codes and its disguises: the bauta, a half-mask with a bonnet, the tabarro, the cape, and the tricorn became a classic, as did the costumes of Harlequin and the characters of the Commedia dell'Arte.
Costumes at the heart of Carnival
- © Ihor Serdyukov / ShutterstockIn 1797, however, Napoleon, a bit of a killjoy, deprived Venice of its Carnival: the freedom and anonymity offered by the masks was not to the occupier's taste. This marked a long hiatus for the Venice Carnival, which was not officially reintroduced until 1980.
Carnival masks
- © PRANDO / ShutterstockThe Venice Carnival takes place in February, a fortnight before Mardi Gras. In other words, it's not the hottest time of the year, far from it, and you can still get your feet wet at an Acqua Alta!
This doesn't discourage thousands of visitors (a fairly common occurrence in Venice after all) from targeting the Carnival period as a time to visit Venice, whether as participants or just spectators. Be warned, this is a peak season, hotels are full and prices are going up.
The festivities kick off with the traditional Flight of the Angel in Piazza San Marco: a young woman, held in place by a rope, launches herself from the top of the Campanile to join the crowd in music. Another medieval tradition is the Feast of the Maries, which takes place every first Saturday of Carnival. Twelve young women in disguise parade between San Pietro Castello and Piazza San Marco, accompanied by a procession of dancers and musicians in period costumes.
The Flight of the Angel, Carnival opener
- © Heide Pinkall / ShutterstockIn this spirit, the entire Carnival is marked by a treasure hunt and other entertainment, parades and dinner shows, special days in museums, operas, concerts... The programme changes with each edition.
But the main attraction is the splendid costumes you'll come across at random in the streets of Venice: Carnival aficionados come from all over the world (and many from France) to perform in costume, in thepurest Venetian tradition. Why not join in the fun at the next Carnival?
👉 When is the next Venice Carnival?
The dates of the Venice Carnival, usually in February, are fluid: they are set in relation to the day of Mardi Gras, which is shifted each year.
👉 Where can I find the programme of Venice Carnival festivities and events?
Various events take place to liven up the Carnival period: these evolve each year in their programming.
You can find the programme on the Venice Carnival website.
The art of the Venetian mask
- © Ana Maria Ciobanu / Shutterstock⭐ Any advice on where to stay during Carnival in Venice?
It's very difficult to find accommodation during Carnival if you book at the last minute: bear in mind that crowds are at their peak at this time of year! Always book your accommodation as early as possible to ensure you get a room. When it comes to prices, don't expect miracles... and plan for a good budget! To compare prices, go to Booking.com!
👉 Where to get a mask for Carnival?
If you're visiting Venice during its Carnival, you might as well participate a little by wearing a mask, but in disguise this time!
In the tourist streets of Venice, it won't be hard to find a cheap plastic mask - just the bare minimum. But if you want to do things right, go to a genuine carnival mask maker: Ca'Macana is a reference in the field!
