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As if you needed more reasons to visit Venice, the eclectic Venice Carnival is a show-stopping event that you just have to see for yourself at least once in your life. Fantastical costumes, delicious food, and of course the classic Venice views – if you’re curious about this long-standing cultural tradition then this is your official guide and all you need to know about the Venice Carnival!
About the Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is a yearly event that started in 1162. The origins of the festival aren’t as celebrated in modern iterations of it, but the Carnival was started as a way to commemorate the Venice Republic’s victory over their then-enemy: the Patriarch of Aquileia. Citizens gathered in San Marco Square and danced.
The festival was banned during the 16th century under the rule of Francis II, the Holy Roman Emperor at the time, but it was reinstated in 1979 by artists as a way to reconnect with Venetian culture and stimulate the economy.
Today, many revellers may not know the origins of the Venice Carnival, and it’s often celebrated just for the sake of it. But over 3 million tourists travel to Venice every year just to get a taste of this magic. And, I mean, when the festival includes beautifully rococo and alluring masks and costumes to match, what’s not to love?
Image source:Llanydd Lloyd / unsplash
What is it?
Put simply, The Venice Carnival is a 10-day celebration filled with pageantry, masquerade balls, parties, and plenty of other delicious events. Walking through the streets of the city or floating down the canals you’ll see people dressed in regal and unique costumes.
The costumes are otherworldly and the traditional Venetian masks they wear look as smooth and delicate as porcelain. From Opera and fairytale characters, to Plague doctors and other fantastical things, stepping into the Venice Carnival is like stepping into another world.
There are many events held during this time. Masquerade balls and banquet dinners are on offer, though the price tag is a little steep, but there are plenty of parades, concerts, and street performances that you can enjoy for free.
When is it?
Like Carnival around the world (think Brazil or New Orleans), the Venice Carnival takes place in the time before Lent, around January or February each year. It’s 10 days long and in 2025 it will start on the 14th of February (perfect for a Valentine’s Day trip!) and last until the 4th of March.
Image source:Chris / unsplash
Why masks?
Venetian masks are an integral part of the Venice Carnival and the culture and tradition of them has persisted over the centuries. Masks were initially worn during the celebrations as a way to ensure anonymity. Venice’s culture was heavily influenced by social classes, but the Carnival was a time for everyone to mingle, and by wearing a mask everyone could be anonymous, and anyone could be anyone.
However the Venetian masks’ history extends beyond carnival traditions as many Venetian aristocrats wore masks in their day to day. This was usually to hide their identity while they were drinking, gambling or visiting poorly reputed areas of the city. Nowadays, the masks are worn during the Carnival as a continuation of the tradition and because they’re honestly just so gorgeous.
There are lots of different styles when it comes to Venetian masks and the most popular include:
- Pierrot (the sad clown)
- Arlecchino (the harlequin)
- Bauta
- Gatto (the cat)
- Dottore Peste (the plague doctor)
What to eat and drink
When in Venice you can obviously eat all of the usual best Italian dishes, but there are a few special treats that make an appearance for the occasion.
Ravioli di Carnevale
These ravioli aren’t like your typical pillow-shaped pastas. Instead of being boiled, they’re deep fried, giving them a golden hue and lovely crisp! They’re also sweet, typically filled with chocolate and ricotta, or dipped in jam.
Mammalucchi
The recipe for these came about as an accident, but what a happy one! Fried dough is filled with custard and orange peel giving them a fragrant and creamy taste that’s oh so delicious and perfect for snacking on when you’re in between parades.
Fritelle
Fritelle are chewy dough balls studded with raisins, candied fruit, and pine nuts, then covered in powdered sugar. You can have them with chantilly cream or a deliciously boozy dip called zabaione. The recipe has been around since 1300 and it hasn’t changed since. Some things are just total classics.
Where to stay
It’s safe to say that Venice is quite busy this time of year. As such, the city is well-prepared to receive guests and you’ll find plenty of accommodation ranging from fancy hotels, friendly hostels, and cosy bed and breakfasts. You’ll definitely want to book ahead so you can ensure the best locations and prices for yourself and your crew.
Or, save yourself the hassle, and travel with Contiki!
What else can I do in Venice?
Venice is a city filled with hidden gems and there’s so much to do, though you’ll have to keep in mind that things will be busier during Carnival season with plenty of activities taking over the city.
But if you manage to find some time and peace and quiet, then here are few things you should definitely check out:
- Visit the absolutely jaw-dropping St. Mark’s Basilica
- Walk around the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
- Take an iconic gondola tour around the city, or even learn how togondolier
- Visit Venice’s famous opera house Teatro La Fenice
- Day trip to the colourful island of Murano
