Venice Carnival: Events program and traditional masks

Venice Carnival is the most spectacular and fascinating event of the Serenissima, a magical experience that transforms the city into an open-air theater for the most beautiful masquerade balls in the world. For about three weeks between February and March, Venice dresses 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 best experience 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 Festa on the Water
Peak 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 Campanile gliding toward the square with a breathtaking flight. This historic tradition draws thousands of spectators to St. Mark's Square to witness the most anticipated moment of the year. This spectacular event represents one of the most exciting cultural experiences in Venice and is part of the unmissable attractions for those who want to discover what to see in Venice during the most magical time of the year.

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 Venetian streets to St. Mark's Square, where the most beautiful Maria is elected. 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. To best admire the regatta, many couples visiting Venice choose to book a gondola tour that allows them to follow the competition directly from the water, experiencing the spectacle from a unique perspective.

Venetian masks: carnival tradition and symbolism

Traditional Venetian masks represent the soul of Venice Carnival, transforming every participant into a mysterious character. The Bauta, iconic white triangular mask with tricorn and black cloak, symbolized social freedom allowing total anonymity. The Moretta, elegant black velvet mask worn by aristocratic ladies, had to be held by biting an internal button, forcing the wearer to 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 Venetian carnival. From Commedia dell'Arte derive Harlequin, with its 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 mobile mechanisms, transforming each Venetian mask into a unique collectible artwork.

Where to buy masks for Venice Carnival

Venetian artisan workshops - The art of handmade masks

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

Visiting a mask workshop is a unique experience: you can observe artisans at work while they create handmade masks using ancient molds, gold leaf decorations and coloring techniques passed down through 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 superior material quality, attention to detail and faithfulness to traditional forms.

Venice Carnival events program: shows and parties

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
• Improvised mask contests in the square

Carnival workshops for children (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

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

Carnival theater shows

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

During Carnival, traditional Venetian bacari transform by proposing carnival-themed typical Venetian specialties. Discover where to eat in Venice to taste Carnival sweets like frittelle and galani, accompanied by classic cicchetti.

Carnival represents the climax of events in Venice and requires careful planning. To best organize your visit, check our guides on how to reach Venice and how to get around Venice during the peak tourist season, when public transport is enhanced to handle the crowds of visitors.

Where to stay in Venice for Venice Carnival

To best experience Venice Carnival and participate in all the masquerade balls, hotel location is fundamental. The B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna offers ideal carnival accommodation: strategically located on Tronchetto island, it guarantees direct connection with Venice's historic center and all carnival events while maintaining affordable prices.

Tronchetto position advantages for your Venetian stay:

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

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

   

From B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna you can easily reach all the symbolic places of Venetian Carnival: St. Mark's Square for the Flight of the Angel and mask awards, artisan workshops to purchase authentic masks, historic palaces hosting exclusive masquerade balls, and venues of the most prestigious carnival parties. The position allows you to avoid historic center confusion 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 affordable environment after participating in the world's most beautiful masquerade balls among the Serenissima's canals.