Welcome to the Venice Carnival

30th January - 9th February 2026

Traditional Carnival of Venice masks.

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.

Venetian Carnival costumes and masks.

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.

Magic of the Venice Carnival.

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. 

Carnival masks

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.

Our Best Carnival Experiences

Why download our FREE Venice Carnival App?

Download our free Carnival itinerary app.
  • Free Carnival itinerary in your pocket
  • The best local Bacari (aperitif/wine bars) map
  • The best frittelle pastry (Carnival sweets) map
  • Ask Marco Polo, your AI Venetian friend for a real time help