Venice Carnival

Overview

The Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the world's most famous festivals, a two-week explosion of masked balls, street performances, and elaborate costumes held annually in the weeks before Lent.

Highlights

• Elaborate Masks and Costumes: Participants don historically accurate bauta, moretta, and plague doctor masks alongside extravagant fantasy creations.
• Flight of the Angel: The opening ceremony where a costumed figure descends on a zip-line from the Campanile to St. Mark's Square.
• Masked Balls: Private and public masked balls in historic palazzi, some open to ticket holders.

History

Carnival traditions date to 1162, growing into an official festival by the 13th century. Masks allowed all social classes to mingle anonymously. Napoleon banned it in 1797; it was revived in 1979.

Visitor Tips

• Dates Vary: Usually held late January to mid-February — dates change yearly based on Easter.
• Rent a Costume: Several ateliers rent full period costumes with masks for the festival.
• Duration: Half day to multiple days.