Festivals-Regattas-Events | Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival – Events

The Venice Carnival – Events. Updated for 2025, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous carnivals in the world. Beautiful costumes and typical Venetian masks, transform the city in a magical way and the glamour of it all, will make you wish you lived in a different time period.

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. Around 3 million visitors per year, are attracted to the Carnival, which makes it Venice’s largest event. Each year the carnival has a different theme.

Starting with the first edition of the current Carnival of Venice, in 1979, a program of events and a detailed calendar was established. Unlike the Venetian Carnival of the past, which had an official duration of six weeks, the modern one takes place for around 18 consecutive days, (including pre-Carnival events); but is full of individual events.

In addition to the official events, various private parties and masked balls are organized in beautiful Venetian palaces. In these venues, due to the almost unchanged furnishings and atmosphere, it is possible to relive the ancient splendours of the Venetian Carnival of the past.

I have also kept the details of the 2020 Carnival with imagery; so that you can get a good idea of the nature of the main public events.

Venice Carnival Events – 2025

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, genoius and love of art and beauty. Casanova will be the protagonist of the highlight of Venice Carnival program, which this year opens right on Valentine’s Day, 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, 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 to more than €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: February 15 onwards. Music, Circus Theater, Acrobatics and Clowns: 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 Show (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:

Saturday, February 22. Festa delle Marie (Marie Festival). The parade of the prettiest girls of Venice starts at the Traghetto in Santa Sofia; then, they will take a gondola to Saint-Mark and be presented in St. Mark’s Square. The girl judged the most beautiful is then awarded the title of Maria of the Year and is the representative for the following year’s Flight of the Angel.

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

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

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

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

Saturday 1 March 2025. Burano Island Carnival from 15:00 to 21:00

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

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

Tuesday March 4,12:00. Flight of the Lion 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 Show 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 that will fill the water mirror of the Darsena Grande with magic for about thirty minutes. Details not yet available on Official Carnival Website – please check in links section.

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 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 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

Venice Carnival – Events Venice Carnival – Events

To give you a good appreciation of the Carnival programs, I have included the main events that were scheduled the Venice Carnival 2020:

The Festa Veneziana (8-9th February 2020)

The opening week-end activities in the first weekend of the Carnival, takes place in the district of Cannaregio. The official start is on Saturday with ‘Amoris Causa’, a spectacular water show organised by Wavents,; a Venetian company specialising in shows and performances, in cooperation with Opera Fiammae.

The performance on the Rio di Cannaregio, with acrobats and music is always very impressive, but can be very crowded. Try to be there ahead of time to ensure a decent viewpoint. There are two performances at 7 and 9 pm.

The first Regata of the carnival is on Sunday, scheduled for around 10.15 am; is a women’s “gondolini” rowing event. It is followed by the “Historical Water Parade of Decorated Boats” (corteo storico di imbarcazioni addobbate). The parade starts at Punta della Dogana around 11 am, arriving at the Cannaregio district about mid-day. It’s a good opportunity to try some typical Venetian food; such as “sarde in soar” (fried sardines in a sweet-and-sour onion gravy) and “bigoli in salsa” (pasta served with an anchovy and onion sauce).

Piazza San Marco (15th-25th February 2020)

St Mark’s Square is the central location for all the carnival festivities, such as the costume parades or the “Flight of the Angel”. The entertainment is organised by the Compagnia Teatrale Pantakin and runs every day from 11 am until 9 or 10 pm. Every evening, from 5.30 pm , you can enjoy live music and DJ sets.

Left: Parade of the Marie

Festa delle Marie (15th February 2020)

The “Parade of the Maria” refers to the Purification of Mary, which was the day when all marriages were blessed. At the same time, the Venetian Doge offered magnificent jewels as a bridal dowry to 12 poor Venetian girls. However, in 973, pirates kidnapped the 12 Marie with their jewellery during the ceremony. The parade is in commemoration to thank the Virgin Mary, for her help in rescuing these girls.

The word “marionette” is derived from this Venetian tradition; for at one point in time, the city decided to cut costs and use wooden dolls to represent the Marie in the parade, in order to save money on the dowries. These dolls were called “Marie di legno” or “Marione” later reproduced in smaller sizes and named marionettes.

The parade starts at 2.30 pm from San Pietro in Castello and follows the Via Garibaldi and the Riva degli Schiavoni; before reaching San Marco at about 4 pm. When the parade reaches the stage, a speaker announces the different characters; such as the Doge and other visiting carnival groups.

St Mark’s Square can be very crowded especially close to the stage, so for more successful photography; better viewpoints and backdrops can be had along the Riva degli Schiavoni in Castello and as the parade passes in front of the Basilica.

The award ceremony for the winner of the Festa delle Marie will take place on the last day of Carnevale (February 25, 2020) on the San Mark’s stage, where the twelve girls will arrive by boat, leaving from Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio.

Best Masked Costume Competition (15th – 23rd February 2020)

In the district of San Marco, you will be overwhelmed by thousands of marvellous masks and costumes and begin to appreciate all the work and expertise behind these stunning dresses.

Every day, it is possible to take part in the best masked costume competition, which is open to everyone. Participants parade on the San Marco stage. On the last Sunday of Carnival (February 23rd), the winner is announced.

Most of participants are very willing to have their pictures taken, when they stroll around the square or on the Riva degli Schiavoni; however it is almost impossible to take a picture of a costume without other people getting in the frame.

To avoid other people in your frame, try to take photographs of participants close to walls or buildings; or use the waterfront as a back-drop. You can also use a wider aperture on the camera, so as to throw any distracting components out of focus; which also gives you the benefits of a faster shutter speed, ensuring critically sharper pictures.

Nearby Campo San Zaccaria is a good place to take better pictures. The pink stones of the church front, add a special Venetian touch to the costumes. There are always people hanging around there to be photographed and there is enough space to freely move around. A second option is on the Fondamente de l’Osmarin, where they pose on a small bridge.

Alternative, try to get a seat at the Piazza’s various cafe’s, such as the Caffé Florian. Participants like to take a break, whilst continuing to pose!

Carnevale dei Ragazzi (15th – 25th February 2020)

Celebrating carnival is not only for adults, but also for the young. There are more than 50 events for children across the city. Costume Parades take place on February 24th and 25th in San Marco and several museums and theatres organise workshops and events.

The Biennale also organises events and workshops. The 11th International Kids’ Carnival will take place from Saturday February 15th to Sunday February 23rd^, at the Biennale headquarters in Ca’ Giustinian. It will be featuring free workshops, (reservation required) and open to schools from Monday to Friday and to families on Saturday and Sunday.

The General Programme will be divided as usual into:

Days for schools: Music, Choreography/Bodily Expression, Hands-on learning, Multimedia/Digital activities, Scientific/Technical/Technological workshops, Tailoring and Theatre.

Weekends for families: Music, Choreography/Bodily Expression, Hands-on learning, Multimedia/Digital activities, Scientific/Technical/Technological workshops, Tailoring and Theatre.

The Flight of the Angel (16th February 2020)

This event is often considered as the official opening of the Carneval and is broadcast on television. It goes back to the mid-16th century, when a young Turkish acrobat spectacularly succeeded in walking up to the Campanile via a long rope attached to his boat at the Riva waterfront. On his descent, he stopped at the balcony of the Palazzo Ducale to honour the Doge.

Originally it was known as the “Flight of the Turk”, until it finally ended in tragedy in 1759; when one of the acrobats fell to the ground and died. The event was forbidden, but restarted later with the descent of a wooden dove scattering flowers over the crowds. The name was changed to “Flight of the Dove”.

Finally, in 2001 the event changed into the “Flight of the Angel”, with a girl (an actress or model), performing the historical act of the Turk; flying from the Campanile to the stage, where she is greeted by the Doge. Since 2011, the Angel is chosen by being the winner of the Festa delle Marie; from the previous year.

This is a very popular event and one of the times you will have to be there a few hours in advance of her jump at 12 am; as you have to be able to see both the side of the Campanile and the stage.

Ballata delle Maschere con Il Taglio della Testa al Toro (February 20th 2020)

The “Ballad of the Masks with the Beheading of the Bull”, is a more recent event; taking place for the third time. It is organised by the association “L’Arte dei Mascareri”.

The event refers to the legend of ‘giovedì grasso’ and(mardi gras). This celebrates the victory in 1162, against the Patriarch Ulrico of Aquileia and his twelve rebel lords. Every year In memory of the attempted rebellion, the successors of Ulrico must send a bull, twelve pigs and breads, to the Doge of Venice.

The bull is a symbol for the Patriarch and the pigs for the lords. They were shown to the people in St Mark’s Square, who mocked them; followed by the bull’s beheading.

The parade starts at 3 pm at San Giacometto (Rialto) and ends in St Mark’s Square; where the artificial bull is beheaded.

Nicolotti e Castellani (February 21st, 2020)

One of the newer events, is the historical re-enactment of the fights between the Nicolotti families, who lived in Dorsoduro and the Castellani families from Castello.

During the era of La Serenissima, these fights between neighbourhoods usually took place on a bridge. It now takes place St Mark’s Square. Two performances are held at 3 pm and 5 pm.

Volo dell’Aquila (23rd February 2020)

The “Flight the Eagle”, similar to that of the Angel, is a recent event only starting in 2012.

Kristian Ghedina, the Italian ski champion, who won the most victories in the 90’s in the downhill skiing World Cup; will fly from San Marco Bell Tower to the stage in the St Mark’s Square for the traditional event. The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 23rd at 12.00 am

The downhill racer from Cortina D’Ampezzo, will wear a suit designed by the Atelier Pietro Longhi and will drop from the bell tower waving the flag of the next Alpine Ski World Championship.

In the afternoon, starting at 15.30 pm, the grand finale of the most beautiful mask contest will take place.

Regata Sprint di Carnevale (23rd February 2020)

To end the last Carnival weekend, you can watch the Regata which starts at 2.30 pm at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and ends at Rialto. The teams are mixed in sex and age.

Svolo del Leone (25th February 2020)

The final official activity of the Carnival is the “Flight of the Lion of San Marco”, painted on a large canvas.

The 12 Marie and the Doge will salute the flag, which is pulled up from the square to the top of the bell tower. It starts at 5 pm, after the award ceremony for the winner of the Festa delle Marie.

Balls and Parties

There are many masked balls and parties all over Venice, but are rather expensive to attend; as they often include dinner, a show and music. One of these is the Official Dinner Ball ‘Nurture Love, Feed the Folly’ which is organised by the Carnevale di Venezia.

It is held in the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, along Canal Grande on February 15th and 16th and from February 20th until February 25th. The show will be performed by an international cast of dancers, musicians, performers and actors dressed in Venetian costumes. Tickets need to be booked beforehand.

At the Arsenale, the young at heart can attend the live music and DJ sets with international artists until the early hours. These entertaining evenings take place on February 15th and from February 21st to the 24th.

Please note: The 2020 Carnival Events program was terminated prematurely on the 23rd February, due to the COVID-19 virus epidemic.

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