Festivals-Regattas-Events | Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival 2025-Program of Events.

Venice Carnival 2025-Program of Events. All the information you need about one of the most famous Carnivals in the world. Beautiful costumes and Venetian masks, transform the city in a magical way and reflects the grandeur of Venetian history.

Each year the carnival has a different theme. For 2025, it will take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025 and the theme is: “In the time of Casanova” (I’Il tempo di Casanova). The artistic director is Massimo Checchetto. Around 3 million visitors per year, are attracted to the Carnival, which makes it Venice’s largest event.

Throughout the Carnival, Venice hosts a variety of free events, including historical re-enactments, grand parades, water regattas, street performances, live music, and competitions for the best masks and costumes.

Moreover, for an additional cost, official dinners, private parties, and masked balls; are organized in beautiful Venetian palaces. In these venues, with their period atmosphere, it is possible to relive the ancient splendours of Venetian Carnivals of the past.

Program of Events for the 2025 Venice Carnival

Pre-Carnival – Core Events

Private Parties and Balls

Other event ideas

Night-time entertainment at Venice Carnival, especially for the younger set

Future Carnival Dates

A Celebratory Poem, on the theme of Casnova.

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Program of Events for the 2025 Venice Carnival

The 2025 Venice Carnival will take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025 and the theme is: “In the time of Casanova” (I’Il tempo di Casanova). The artistic director is Massimo Checchetto.

Giacomo Casanova, born in 1725, is one of the most iconic and fascinating figures in Venetian history. He is famous for his adventurous life, but also for his free spirit, genius and love of art and beauty. Casanova will be the protagonist of the highlight of Venice Carnival program, in an evocative intertwining of love and the timeless magic of Venice.

Marking the main opening event of the Carnival, the Festa della Marie (Feast of the Mary’s) will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22, 2025 and At 14:30, the parade of the prettiest girls of Venice starts at the Traghetto in Santa Sofia; then, they will take a gondola to St Mark’s waterfront and be presented in the Piazza San Marco. The selection of the 12 Marie will take place on Thursday, February 13 at 3 p.m, at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista.

There are also pre-Carnival events taking place starting on the Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th, including, Music, Circus and Street Theater, Acrobatics and Clowns, in various squares throughout the city, together with the Venetians Boat Carnival and various balls, opera and concert performances.

Costs. The Venice Carnival is a public event and many of the activities, such as the parades and open-air concerts, are free to attend. If you plan to participate in specific events or activities, such as masked balls and private parties, you need to pay admission fees.

Ticket prices for these exclusive events at the Venice Carnival can vary. They typically range from about €100 up to €5,000 per person; depending on the event and its level of luxury and exclusivity. If you choose to include a costume rental as part of your experience, you could expect an additional cost ranging from €100 to €1100, depending on the intricacy and exclusivity of the costume.

Try this website to get an idea of the Official Dinner Show over many dates (from Euro 600 and costume hire Euro 100-350):

Venice Carnival – HOME

Or, if you are feeling flush, the finest Venetian ball: The Doge’s Ball (Euro 800-5000 and costume Euro 350-1100) Spectacular website imagery. Dream on!

Il Ballo del Doge Website | The most exclusive carnival event in the World

Security. While the Venice Carnival is a fun and exciting event, it is essential to follow basic safety and etiquette rules to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Firstly, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their belongings, as pick-pocketing and petty theft can be a problem in crowded areas. Store valuables, phones and documents in front pockets or bags, preferably zipped. Use hotel safes and carry copies of important documentation.

Visitors should also be respectful of the local culture and traditions, masks or costumes that may be considered offensive or inappropriate It is also essential to remove masks when entering churches or other places of worship as a sign of respect.

Scheduled Events

Before the main festivities of the Venice Carnival 2025 commence, the city becomes animated with an array of captivating pre-carnival events. From early January onwards, both Venetians and visitors can partake in a series of enchanting activities that set the stage for the grand carnival. Elegant masquerade balls, hosted in historic palazzos, offer a glimpse into Venice’s aristocratic past, where guests don elaborate costumes and masks, stepping back into a bygone era of opulence and intrigue.

Simultaneously, lively street performances and musical concerts in picturesque squares such as Piazza San Marco, add a modern twist to the pre-carnival atmosphere; enticing crowds with their vibrant energy and artistic flair. These events not only build anticipation for the main carnival days, but also highlight Venice’s cultural richness and enduring allure, as a hub of artistic expression and festive revelry.

The festivities of the Venice Carnival can be regarded as a series of historical re-enactments and celebrations. In recent years, several new events have been introduced, distinguishing it from other renowned carnivals such as those in Brazil and Germany.

The festival can be quite hectic and crowded, but with some basic information and research, you can make your trip more enjoyable and certainly enhance your photo opportunities. It’s a fantastic time to visit Venice and immerse yourself in the magic of the carnival!

Pre-Carnival Events:

Carnival Shows – Music, Circus Theater, Acrobatics and Clowns. From February 15 onwards in S. Margherita, S.Giacomo, S.Geremia, S.Cassiano, Gesuiti, S.M.Formosa, Sant’Elena and Burano Galuppi Squares. From 11:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 (these street shows are free).

Grand Opening “Floating Parade“: February 16. It consists of typical Venetian boats and is led by the Pantegana boat, which has the suspicious shape of a rat. Water has always played an important role for the lagoon city of Venice, so the rowing parade with hundreds of masked performers, thrill spectators every year. The boats will gather at Dogana da Mar next to the Salute Church at 10:30 AM, depart at 11:00 AM, and the event will include the explosion of the “Pantegana” in front of the Rialto Bridge at 11:20 AM. The boats will then arrive at Campo de l’Erbaria Square at Rialto at 11:30 AM.

Street Theater Shows (free access): St. Stefano Square: 11:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

Venetian Mask-Making Workshops: Throughout the carnival. Enthusiasts and visitors alike engage in these workshops to learn the ancient craft of mask making, crafting their own unique and personalized masks using traditional techniques, creating a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of Venice and the mystique of the carnival season.

Core Carnival Events:

Festa delle Marie (Marie Festival). Saturday, February 22. The procession of Venice’s most beautiful girls commences at the Traghetto in Santa Sofia. They will then board a gondola and be presented in St. Mark’s Square. The girl deemed the most beautiful is awarded the title of Maria of the Year and will represent the following year’s Flight of the Angel.

Best Mask Contest, Carnival Costumes’ Show and Contests. From February 22.

Flight of the Angel in St Mark’s Square. Sunday, 23 February. 12.00.

Official Venice Carnival Dinner, Show, and Balls. February 22, 23, 27, and March 1, 2, 3.. Cost around Euro 600, plus costume hire.

Burano Island Carnival. Friday 28, February and Saturday, from 15:00 to 21:00

Flight of the Eagle. Sunday 2 March 2025. 12:00 from St Mark’s Bell Tower

Presentation of the “12 “Mary’s”. Monday March 3, 10:00 to 12:00. 2025 Saint Mark’s Square. Parade of traditional carnival costumes from all regions of Italy, St Mark Square, from 15:00 to 17:00

Flight of the Lion. Tuesday March 4,12:00.from St Mark’s Bell Tower. Final of the “Most Beautiful Mask” Contest. Burano Island Carnival from 15:00 to 21:00.

Carnival Official Dinner Shows. On the evenings of February 22 and 23 and February 27 through March 4. The stunning venues of Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, overlooking the Grand Canal, will host the events.

Masked-Event Balls/Parties: Various dates throughout the carnival.

The magnificent Arsenale Water Show. An extraordinary and exciting show, in it’s fourth year, that will fill the water-mirror of the Darsena Grande; with magic for about thirty minutes. Performances are at 7 and 9pm, on Feb 21-23 and Feb 27-Mar 4th. The shows depict Giacomo Casanova, through dance, music and narration, but don’t expect a traditional historic story. it will be an evocative, image driven journey, told by Henrietta; the only Woman Casanova really loved. Tickets required, obtained through the official site, linked below.

Private Parties and Balls

Venice Carnival private parties and masked and costumed balls are among the most elegant, enjoyable, and spectacular events. There are numerous types of masked parties in Venice to choose from, with masks and costumes being compulsory. Many begin with an aperitif and buffet, followed by an elegant gala dinner on the main floor of the palace. These dinners are always accompanied by live performances, artists, and music, which continue throughout the evening. You might be able to attend the celebrations after the dinner at reduced cost.

Here’s a list of the best events

BALL MINUET OF LOVE – Saturday 15th February 2025

BALL OF DREAMS – Saturday 22nd February 2025

CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA – saturday 22nd February 2025

DON GIOVANNI – Saturday 22nd February 2025

MINUETTO BALL – Sunday 23rd February

DANCING CHOCOLATE – Thursday 27th February 2025

CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA – Friday 28th February 2025

THE COURTESANS OF THE DOGE – Friday 28th February 2025

THE LEGEND OF CASANOVA – Saturday 1st March 2025

BALL MINUETTO 1800 – Saturday 1st March 2025

CARNIVAL IN LOVE – Saturday 1st March 2025

DALLE ROSE BALL – Saturday 1st March 2025

THE DOGE’S BALL – Saturday 1st March 2025

TIEPOLO BALL – Sunday 2nd March 2025

VENETIAN REFLECTIONS – Sunday 2nd March 2025

MINUETTO BALL – Monday 3rd March 2025

Try this great website to enquire/check availability/book these events, and get details of: Location – Dress Code – Price per person – Information/Website details

Venice Carnival 2025: all the events

Other Carnival event ideas offered through ticket agencies, in links section below.

Treasure Hunt – St.Mark’s

Treasure Hunt – Rialto

Decorate your Carnival

Mask Carnival Pub Crawl

Venice Carnival Photoshoot

Venice Vivaldi Concert

Opera Rossini Barber Seville

La Fenice – Verdi Rigoletto

Dinner Cruise on a Galleon

Night-time entertainment at Venice Carnival, especially for the younger set.

Venice Carnival also has its own nighttime entertainment hub, spread throughout the city, from themed parties to electronic music.

Arsenale Carnival Experience at Arsenale di Venezia Arsenale di Venezia, once again becomes the nighttime entertainment hub: inside the Tese di San Cristoforo, young people will enjoy DJ sets until morning. Organized by Molocinque.
Perplex Carnival Party, at Arsenale di Venezia A recent and renewed collaboration with the British multinational Perplex, which specializes in large music events, will make it possible to offer a special event for young people inside the Tese di San Cristoforo.
Venice Carnival at Forte Marghera. From theme parties to electronic music: Forte Marghera becomes the heart of musical and entertainment events on the magical nights of the Venice Carnival for a young audience of all ages. To dance and sing along to the notes of the most popular and in vogue hits.

Night-time entertainment at Venice Carnival – Carnevale di Venezia – sito ufficiale

Future Carnival Dates

The dates of the Venice Carnival follow Italy’s liturgical calendar, so they change each year. The festival could start anywhere from late January to late February.

2026 Saturday, February 7 Tuesday, February 17
2027 Wednesday, January 27 Tuesday, February 9
2028 Saturday, February 19 Tuesday, February 29
2029 Saturday, February 3 Tuesday, February 13

A Celebratory Poem on the theme of Casanova

In Venice where canals do flow,
A masquerade with masks aglow,
Echoes of Casanova’s tales,
Through winding streets and secret trails.

Beneath the moon’s bewitching light,
Whispers blend with the starry night,
Lovers dance in timeless waltz,
In hidden nooks, their hearts convulse.

Gondolas glide on silken streams,
Reflecting dreams and gilded beams,
Casanova’s spirit near,
Whispers tales of love sincere.

In ballrooms grand, with chandeliers,
Laughter mingles with hidden fears,
Every mask a story veiled,
Of passion, secrets, hearts unveiled.

Venetian night, a timeless play,
Where past and present weave and sway,
In costumes bright, and eyes concealed,
Casanova’s charm revealed.

So raise your mask and join the fray,
In Venice, love finds its way,
Through masquerades of 2025,
Where Casanova’s soul survives.

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