Venice Carnevale is the main carnival or mardi gras celebration in Italy. The Carnevale season lasts approximately two weeks, culminating on Carnival Day or Shrove Tuesday. In 2019, the festivities begin on Saturday, February 16 and culminate on Tuesday, March 6. The weekend before Shrove Tuesday is usually the majority of parties and events, but throughout the Carnevale season, the city of Venice is full of costumed characters, street performers and scheduled concerts and entertainment, boat parades and stalls. of food.
Even if you don’t attend any of the fancy costume parties or balls, it’s definitely a fun time to visit – that is, if you can deal with the crowds and peak season prices.
Carnevale highlights in Venice
In an already festive atmosphere, some events mark the highlights of Venice’s biggest party season:
- Water parade. On the first Carnevale Sunday, a parade of brilliantly decorated boats runs down the Rio di Cannaregio starting at 11 am After the parade, food stalls open on the waterfront.
- Festa delle Marie. On Carnevale’s second Saturday, this evening disguised procession recalls the tradition of 12 of the most beautiful young women in Venice who were presented to the Doge. This parade, one of the few that takes place on the mainland, begins in via Garibaldi and ends in Piaza San Marco.
- The flight of the angel. This dramatic reenactment, held on the second Carnevale Sunday, sees a disguised angel “fly”, suspended on a rope, across Piazza San Marco to greet the Doge.
The official website of the Carnevale di Venezia has information on these and all other public events associated with the festivities.
Tips for visiting Venice during Carnevale season
- Plan ahead and book your hotel well in advance for the Carnevale season. Check out these top-rated hotels in Venice or check the online booking engines for hotels in Venice. Hotels typically charge peak season prices during Carnevale season, so the earlier you book, the less likely you are to pay.
- Carnevale is a posh affair in Venice, and while it is very festive, it is not a noisy scene, even when the city is at its most crowded. There is always a lot of amazing public entertainment, especially starting in the afternoon.
- People wear elaborate costumes and masks all over the city, so there is a lot to see just by walking around. For the best Carnevale experience, wear a costume or at least a mask yourself. You can easily find an inexpensive mask once you’re in Venice, or splurge on an ornate, hand-painted version. Your hotel will likely be able to arrange a costume rental or at least refer you to a supplier – again, the sooner you request this service the better, with rental prices ranging from modest to the limit.
- Although the main events are centered around P iazza San Marcos Carnevale events are held in all sestiere or neighborhood of Venice, so be sure to wander into other areas. A fireworks show held in Piazza San Marco culminates Carnevale and the fireworks can be seen from almost anywhere in Venice.
- Most high-end hotels have masked balls, which are smaller and more private than public events. They can help you find someone to make or rent you a costume. Attending a dance, including a costume rental, can cost around 500 euros, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most formal Carnevale events, private parties, and masked balls require advance reservations.
- If you plan to visit Venice during Carnevale, the last week of festivities, from Wednesday to the Saturday before Shrove Tuesday, is considered the best time to go. Still, there are plenty of things ahead of Carnevale’s actual date, including plenty of entertainment and costume characters. You will avoid the biggest crowds but still enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
- Carnevale dates change each year, corresponding to Shrove Tuesday forty days before Easter. Check out upcoming Carnevale dates here and go to the Venice Carnival site for up-to-date event information.
- Carnevale is a winter event, so the weather can be cold or rainy; See Venice Weather for average temperatures and rainfall.
Carnevale festivals in Italy
Carnevale is celebrated throughout Italy in various ways, some very unusual. Read more about Carnevale traditions and the main Carnevale festivals in Italy.
Original article by Martha Bakerjian
