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Venice Carnival 2025
VeniceVenice Carnival
Top things to do in Venice
Why visit Venice during Carnival?
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Experiencing the Venice Carnival
Attend the grand opening ceremony
Kick off the Venice Carnival in style on February 22, 2025 from 11am at St. Mark's Square. The festivities feature a dazzling water parade along the Grand Canal, with beautifully decorated boats and performers setting the stage for the celebrations ahead.
Guide to St. Mark's Square
See the Flight of the Angel
On February 23, 2025 from 10:45am to 12pm, witness the breathtaking Flight of the Angel at St. Mark’s Square. A performer descends gracefully from the bell tower, signaling the exhilarating start of the carnival.
Be part of the Festa delle Marie parade
Celebrate Venetian tradition on February 22, 2025, from 2:30pm to 4pm, with the vibrant Festa delle Marie Parade. Watch twelve maidens dressed in stunning costumes as they parade from San Pietro di Castello to St. Mark’s Square in a spectacular historical procession.
Participate in the best mask contest
Show off your artistic flair at the Best Mask Contest, held daily from February 22 to March 4, 2025. Compete at St. Mark’s Square or Ca’ Vendramin Calergi Palace, where the most creative masks earn a spot in the finals.
Experience the Flight of the Eagle
Don’t miss the thrilling Flight of the Eagle on March 2, 2025, from 12pm to 1pm, at St. Mark’s Square. This daring descent from the Campanile is an unmissable spectacle that keeps the carnival’s energy soaring.
Climb the St. Mark's Bell Tower
Partake in the Burano Carnival
For a rather unique carnival experience, head to Burano Island on February 25, 2025, from 3pm to 10pm. The Burano Carnival is a vibrant celebration of history, pageantry, and colorful traditions, recreating Doge Vitale Michiel II’s victory with a festive flair.
Book Burano boat tours
Witness the Flight of the Lion
Wrap up the carnival with the Flight of the Lion on March 4, 2025, at 5pm, in St. Mark’s Square. This symbolic spectacle, featuring Venice’s emblematic lion soaring through the sky, brings the festivities to a grand finale.
Experience the Corteo delle Marie
Celebrate Venice’s historic tradition on March 4, 2025 as twelve young women, Marie, embody the city’s elegance and spirit. The gondola procession begins at San Giacomo dall’Orio, traveling along the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square by 3pm. At 4pm, the Maria of the Year is crowned, wearing a gown by Francesco Briggi from Atelier Pietro Longhi.
Don’t miss Il Ballo del Doge
On March 1, 2025, attend the legendary Il Ballo del Doge (venue details to be confirmed). This extravagant masquerade ball is the epitome of Venetian opulence and artistic grandeur. Sway into a night of music, dance, and elegance!
About Doge's legacy in Venice
Explore Venice's costume and mask workshops
Take a break from the festivities and visit local artisans crafting traditional Venetian masks and costumes. Many workshops offer hands-on mask-making classes, where you can create your own masterpiece to wear or take home as a souvenir.
Enjoy gondola parades and live music
Catch gondola parades along the canals throughout the carnival, accompanied by live traditional music. These floating performances are the epitome of Venetian charm, blending art, culture, and music in a dreamy setting.
Indulge in Venetian carnival delicacies
Savor special carnival treats like frittelle (fried doughnuts filled with cream or raisins) and galani (crispy fried pastries dusted with sugar). These delights are must-tries during the carnival season!
Watch street performances in Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the heart of carnival celebrations, buzzing with street performers, acrobats, musicians, and actors in elaborate costumes. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the energy of the festival and snap some incredible photos.
See Venice at night
After sunset, Venice Carnival becomes pure magic. The canals shimmer under streetlights, and masked revelers in elaborate costumes add a touch of mystery. St. Mark's Square feels straight out of a dream, with lanterns glowing and the buzz of music and masquerade balls filling the air.
Know before you attend the Venice Carnival 2025
Key events
Key location
Getting to Venice
Getting around
When to go
What to eat
Facilities
Tips
Dine
Stay
Dates: February 22 to March 4, 2025
- Grand Opening Water Parade: February 22, 2025; 11am at the Grand Canal
- Festa delle Marie Parade: February 22, 2025; 2:30pm; From San Pietro di Castello to Piazza San Marco
- Flight of the Angel: February 23, 2025; 10:45am – 12pm at St. Mark’s Square
- Flight of the Eagle: February 24, 2025; 12pm – 1pm at St. Mark’s Square
- Best Mask Contest – Grand Final: March 2, 2025 at Piazza San Marco
- Official Presentation of the Maria of the Venice Carnival 2025: March 4, 2025; 3pm-5pm at Piazza San Marco.
- St. Mark's Square: The Square is hub for major events - Opening ceremony, Best Mask Contests, and Grand Costume Mask Contest Awards Ceremony.
- Campanile of St. Mark's Square: The bell tower is the launch site for spectacular flights - Angel, Eagle, and Lion.
- Rio de Cannaregio: Hosts the traditional Venetian Water Festival.
- Burano: Carnival on the Burano island and Grand Final Qualifications for Best Mask Contest.
- San Pietro di Castello: The starting point for the Festa delle Marie Parade, where twelve maidens in traditional costumes begin their procession to St. Mark's Square.
- Rialto Bridge: A great spot to see gondola parades and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Routes to Venice:
- By air: Fly into Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 13 km from Venice. From the airport, you can either take Alilaguna Water Bus with direct boats to major stops like San Marco, Rialto, or Fondamente Nove, takes about 1 hour, or take ATVO Bus shuttle service to Piazzale Roma, Venice's main bus station, followed by a Vaporetto (water bus) to reach central areas.
- By train: Arrive at Venice Santa Lucia Station, which connects directly with major cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan. From the station, you can easily access the Vaporetto lines (1 and 2) to get to key carnival locations.
- Vaporetto (Water Bus): The most convenient way to navigate Venice’s canals. Purchase a day pass for unlimited travel on the Vaporetto, which is especially useful during the busy carnival period. Expect longer wait times due to crowds.
- Gondolas: While more expensive, a gondola ride offers a unique perspective of the city and is a quintessential Venetian experience.
- Walking: Venice is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be navigating cobblestone streets and numerous bridges.
For the Venice Carnival 2025, the best times to visit are:
- Opening weekend (February 22-23): Experience the grand opening water parade and the Flight of the Angel, which marks the official start of the carnival.
- Middle weekend (February 29 - March 2): This period features major events, including costume contests and various parades, making it an exciting time to be in Venice.
- Fat Tuesday (March 4): The grand finale includes fireworks, live music, and a magical atmosphere as the carnival comes to a close.
If you prefer to avoid large crowds, visit during midweek days. These days typically offer a more relaxed experience, allowing you to explore Venice’s hidden gems, museums, and churches without the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds.
While attending the Venice Carnival, indulge in these local delicacies:
- Fritole: Traditional Venetian fried doughnuts often filled with cream or raisins, a must-try during the carnival.
- Cicchetti: Small plates of Venetian tapas served in bars throughout the city. Perfect for sampling local flavors while enjoying a drink.
- Sgombro alla Griglia: Grilled mackerel, a popular dish in Venice that showcases fresh seafood.
- Baccalà Mantecato: A creamy cod spread served on toasted bread, ideal for snacking as you explore.
- Prosecco: Sip on this sparkling wine, which is a staple in Venetian cuisine and pairs perfectly with many local dishes.
- Information centers
- Rest areas
- Security measures
- Food stalls
- Restrooms
- First aid stations
- Venetian mask shops
- Public transportation
- Venice Carnival guide services
- Lost and found
- For unique and intricate masks, shop early. Venice Carnival is known for its stunning masks, and the best ones often sell out quickly.
- While St. Mark's Square is iconic, venture into less crowded areas for a more intimate experience. Enjoy the Carnival away from the bustling crowds.
- If you plan to attend specific events or attractions, book tickets in advance. Popular destinations can sell out quickly.
- Embrace the Carnival spirit with a cool costume. Traditional Venetian costumes can be rented from ateliers in the city.
- Take a break from the festivities to savor some authentic Venetian dishes at local eateries. Get a Venetian frittella, a raisin-studded fried doughnut.
- Not all Carnival events require tickets. Keep an eye out for free street performances, parades, and open-air celebrations.
- The final weekend is the most popular, so be prepared for large crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider visiting earlier in the Carnival season. Also, beware of scammers and pickpockets.
- Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti: Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes and a diverse wine selection in this charming osteria.
- Trattoria da Remigio: Indulge in hearty seafood dishes at this rustic trattoria with outdoor seating.
- Al Nono Risorto: Savor delicious pizza and pasta at this family-run restaurant.
- Caffe Chioggia: A delightful dining near Doge's Palace with great music and a fantastic atmosphere at Caffe Chioggia.
- Bar Mio: Unwind after the hearty Carnival at the lively Mio with a drink, just 500 meters from Doge's Palace.
- San Marco District: The heart of Venice, perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action, home to major attractions like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Options: Hotel Danieli, Albergo San Marco.
- Dorsoduro District: Known for its artistic vibe, Dorsoduro is quieter than San Marco but still within walking distance of major attractions. It features beautiful canals and cultural sites. Options: Il Palazzo Experimental, Carnival Palace Hotel.
- Cannaregio District: Less touristy and good for a more authentic Venetian experience, with charming streets and local eateries. Options: Hotel Antiche Figure, Hotel Ca' D'Oro.
- Lido Island: Known for its beaches, Lido is a relaxing escape from the bustling city center while still providing easy access to Venice. Options: Hotel Villa Pannonia, Grand Hotel des Bains.
- Murano Island: Famous for its glass-making, Murano gives you a unique experience with fewer crowds and picturesque views. Options: LaGare Hotel Venezia
Frequently asked questions about Venice Carnival tickets
Do I need tickets to attend Venice Carnival?
While some outdoor events are free, many of the grand balls, concerts, and exclusive parties require tickets. Also, if you're visiting Venice during Carnival, it's advised to book your tickets a month to two weeks in advance for the attractions that you're planning to see.
Can I participate in the masquerade balls if I don't have a costume?
Yes! Many masquerade balls welcome guests who are not in costume, but wearing one definitely enhances the experience. You can rent or purchase a costume at local shops.
What time should I arrive to get a good spot for the Flight of the Angel?
Arriving by 9am is ideal, as the event starts at 10:45am. This ensures you get a good view and a spot near the action in St. Mark’s Square.
How do I find less crowded spots during the carnival?
Head to quieter squares like Campo Santa Margherita or Campo San Giacomo for street performances. These areas offer a more local experience, away from the tourist-heavy zones.
Are there any special events for families with children?
Yes! Some masquerade balls and performances are family-friendly, and there are also kid-focused activities like puppet shows and carnival workshops throughout the city.
Can I wear a mask and costume for the entire carnival, or is there a specific day for it?
You can wear a mask or costume every day of the carnival, but it’s most common to dress up during the key events, like the Flight of the Angel or the Festa delle Marie.
What are the best vantage points for watching the Grand Canal water parade?
Rialto Bridge is a great spot, offering views of the parade and vibrant performances along the canal. For a more relaxed experience, consider a gondola ride to enjoy the spectacle from the water.
What should I do if it rains during the carnival?
Venice’s carnival goes on rain or shine! You can still enjoy indoor events like masquerade balls, art exhibitions, and live performances. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella just in case.
Are there any quiet spots to escape the crowds and relax during the carnival?
The Giardini della Biennale offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the lagoon, perfect for unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of carnival festivities.
Are there specific dress code requirements for attendees at the Venice Carnival?
While there's no strict dress code, costumes, especially masks, are highly encouraged. It's a chance to let your creativity shine and be part of the living art around you.
What are the most iconic Venetian masks, and where can I buy or make my own?
Masks like the Bauta, Colombina, and Medico della Peste are iconic. You can find them in local shops or attend mask-making workshops to craft your own unique piece.
What’s the best way to get around Venice during the carnival?
Walking is the best way to explore Venice, but be prepared for crowded streets. Vaporetto (water bus) services can be a good alternative to avoid pedestrian congestion, especially along the Grand Canal.
What are the best vantage points for watching the Venice Carnival parades?
St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal offer prime viewing spots. Arrive early to secure a good position and soak in the carnival atmosphere.
Can I learn how to make Venetian masks for the carnival?
Absolutely! Many workshops in Venice offer mask-making classes. It's a fantastic way to engage with the Carnival's artistic side and create your personalized mask.
How early should I plan and book my trip to Venice for the Carnival?
To make the most of your Carnival trip, book your accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially in central areas like Piazza San Marco. Flights should also be secured early for better deals. If you plan to attend special events like masquerade balls, consider purchasing tickets ahead of time as these often sell out.
Recommended timeline:
3-6 Months Before: Book flights and accommodations.
2-3 Months Before: Buy event tickets and make dining reservations.
1 Month Before: Finalize your itinerary and any additional tours.
Plan ahead to ensure a smooth and unforgettable Venice Carnival experience!
