Overview
Overview
The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the world's most famous festivals, running 23 January – 9 February 2027. Thousands in elaborate masks and costumes fill Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal for masked balls, pageants and the Flight of the Angel. Confirm the programme at carnevale.venezia.it.
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During the Venice Carnival, the city of canals transforms into an open-air theater of elaborate masks and sumptuous costumes. For centuries, this annual festival has blended history, art, and spectacle as revelers fill the narrow streets and canals.
Attendees can wander among masked participants, attend the official dinner show at Ca' Vendramin Calergi, and witness the contest for 'la maschera più bella' (the most beautiful mask) judged by international designers. The tradition of mask-making, dating back to the Renaissance, continues in artisan workshops where masks are crafted from leather, porcelain, or glass.
Rooted in a 12th-century victory and revived in 1979, the carnival now attracts around 3 million visitors each year, offering historical pageantry and vibrant street performances.
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Where to buy
Good to know
- Purchase a Venezia Unica CityPass for access to museums and transport.
- Watch or participate in the contest for the most beautiful mask ('la maschera più bella').
- Explore artisan mask workshops; traditional masks are made from leather, porcelain, or glass.
Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Venice Carnival?
It traces origins to 1162 after a military victory, was abolished in 1797, and revived in 1979.
What materials are Venetian masks made from?
Leather, porcelain, or glass, often decorated with gold leaf and feathers.
Venue & Map
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