Venice Carnival: Events program and traditional masks

The Venice Carnival is the most spectacular and enchanting event in La Serenissima, a magical experience that transforms the city into an open-air theater for the world's most beautiful masquerade balls. For about three weeks between February and March, Venice dresses up in mystery, elegance and centuries-old tradition with unique Venetian masks and sumptuous carnival costumes. This complete guide will reveal everything you need to know to make the most of the world's most famous carnival.

Venice Carnival dates

Period: Generally from mid-February to early March
Official opening: First weekend of February with the Venetian water festival
Main weekends: The last two weekends before Fat Tuesday
Grand finale: Fat Tuesday (variable date each year)

Typical events calendar

Flight of the Angel - The spectacular opening

The Flight of the Angel marks the official opening of Carnival. A person in Venetian costume launches from St. Mark's Bell Tower gliding toward the square in a breathtaking flight. This historic tradition draws thousands of spectators to St. Mark's Square to witness the year's most anticipated moment.

Festa delle Marie - Elegance and tradition

The Festa delle Marie is one of the most fascinating carnival events: twelve girls in period dress parade through Venice's streets to St. Mark's Square, where the most beautiful Maria is crowned. This historic procession represents the essence of Venetian carnival traditions.

Historic masked regatta - Spectacle on the Grand Canal

The masked regatta transforms the Grand Canal into a water stage where historic boats with masked crews compete in a unique competition among Venice's most beautiful historic palaces.

Venetian masks: Carnival tradition and symbolism

Traditional Venetian masks represent the soul of the Venice Carnival, transforming every participant into a mysterious character. The Bauta, iconic white triangular mask with tricorn hat and black cloak, symbolized social freedom by allowing complete anonymity. The Moretta, elegant black velvet mask worn by aristocratic ladies, had to be held by biting an internal button, forcing the wearer into silence.

The Volto, full-face mask decorated with gold and precious stones, represented elegance accessible to all social classes. The Plague Doctor, with its characteristic long beak filled with aromatic herbs, is today the most photographed symbol of the Venetian carnival. From Commedia dell'Arte come Harlequin, with his diamond-patterned costume, and Colombina, refined half-mask that leaves the mouth free.

Beyond historic carnival masks, modern Venetian craftsmanship creates contemporary artistic masks that maintain traditional elegance while innovating with precious materials, LED decorations and moving mechanisms, transforming every Venetian mask into a unique collectible work of art.

Where to buy masks for the Venice Carnival

Venetian artisan workshops - The art of handmade masks

Venetian artisan workshops represent excellence in producing authentic carnival masks. These historic ateliers, concentrated mainly in the districts of Dorsoduro, San Polo and Castello, keep alive the traditional techniques of Venetian papier-mâché passed down by generations of master mascareri.

Visiting a mask workshop is a unique experience: you can observe craftsmen at work creating handmade masks using ancient molds, gold leaf decorations and coloring techniques handed down through the centuries. Many workshops also offer mask decoration courses where tourists can personalize their own carnival mask under the guidance of expert artisans.

Venetian artisan masks produced in these historic workshops are recognized for their superior material quality, attention to detail and faithfulness to traditional forms.

Venice Carnival events program: Shows and festivals

Free carnival events - St. Mark's Square

🎪 Daily free shows (11:00 AM and 4:00 PM)

• Street artists in period costume
• Live music with baroque instruments
• Commedia dell'Arte theatrical performances
• Impromptu mask contests in the square

🎨 Children's carnival workshops (2:00-5:00 PM)

• Simple mask decoration for little ones
• Traditional carnival games
• Stories of ancient Venetian traditions
• Family area in Piazzetta dei Leoncini

🎭 Carnival theatrical shows

• "Casanova Returns": La Fenice Theater
• "Masks of La Serenissima": Ca' Rezzonico
• "Comedies in Masks": various historic theaters
• Commedia dell'Arte performances in costume

Where to stay in Venice for the Venice Carnival

To make the most of the Venice Carnival and participate in all the masquerade balls, your hotel location is essential. B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna offers the ideal carnival accommodation: strategically located on Tronchetto Island, it guarantees direct connection to Venice's historic center and all carnival events while maintaining affordable prices.

Tronchetto location advantages for your Venice stay:

• Direct connection: Vaporetto every 10 minutes to St. Mark's Square (15-minute journey)
• Parking steps from the hotel, perfect for those arriving by car
• Quiet Venice hotel: Guaranteed rest away from tourist crowds

• Budget-friendly Venice hotel: Competitive rates compared to the historic center

   

From B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna you can easily reach all the symbolic places of the Venetian Carnival: St. Mark's Square for the Flight of the Angel and mask awards, artisan workshops for purchasing authentic masks, historic palaces hosting exclusive masquerade balls, and the most prestigious carnival party locations. The location allows you to avoid the confusion of the historic center while remaining perfectly connected to all carnival events.

Book your stay at B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna and experience the most authentic Venice Carnival, with the peace of mind of returning to a welcoming and convenient environment after participating in the world's most beautiful masquerade balls among the canals of La Serenissima.