Welcome to
the Venice Carnival
31st JANUARY - 14th FEBRUARY 2026
The Iconic Venetian Masks
The elaborate masks of Venice aren’t only decorative — they once served a social purpose. During the Carnival, Venetians of all classes wore masks to conceal their identity, allowing everyone to mingle freely and break strict social rules of the time.
A Tradition Dating Back to the 12th Century
The Carnival of Venice is one of the world’s oldest celebrations. It began in the 1100s as a period of festivity before Lent and grew into a months-long event filled with music, games, and lavish gatherings enjoyed by nobles and commoners alike.
The Spectacular Flight of the Angel
One of the Carnival’s most famous events is the “Flight of the Angel.” A performer gracefully descends from St. Mark’s bell tower to the square below, reenacting a centuries-old tradition that marks the official opening of the festivities.
Costumes Inspired by Venice’s Golden Age
Carnival costumes are modeled after styles from Venice’s Renaissance and Baroque eras. The elegant cloaks, embroidered gowns, and distinctive tricorn hats recreate the atmosphere of the city’s historic courts, theatres, and noble palaces.
