no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicky Swallow

Dating back almost a thousand years, the Venetian Carnival (or Carnevale) is a two-week estravanganza of dressing up, partying and posing enjoyed by  Venetians and tourists alike.

Carnevale enjoyed its heyday in the 18th century when it became popular as a pagan festival. It was revived in the 1970s when the city administrators realised it could still draw the crowds (and bring in the cash), and it worked; today tens of thousands flock to the city each year from round the world for the spectacle.

For two weeks in February each year, the streets of Venice fill with people wearing masks and elaborate masquerade costumes. The original purpose of the costumes and masks is thought to have originally been to hide the wearer’s identity, removing social differences and allowing them to engage is less reputable practices.

The Masked Balls

A whole program of varied events take place throughout the city – details are posted on the website – and include the famous ‘masked balls’, held in elaborate palazzos. Anyone can go – you can buy tickets on the website – but mask is mandatory, and usually a costume too. Aside from masks, expect jugglers, fire-eaters, dancers and live music. The Doge’s Ball is the most exclusive and dazzling event.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: annually
When: February
Duration: 2 weeks

Getting there & doing it

It’s free to wander around the city and gawp at the costumed revellers, better still if you are in costume, or at least sport a mask (buying a mask is the cheapest way to join the fun). Professional posers mainly flaunt their finery in tourist hot spots such as Saint Mark’s Square (note – it can get jam-packed at weekends during Carnevale). If you want go to a ball, there is a hefty price tag attached. The official Dinner Show costs €500 plus costume hire. Buy tickets for the Dinner Show and the masked balls from the website.

The website also has information about costume hire, but for a more authentic and personalised experience, contact one of the costume ateliers that also organise carnival events and hire costumes. Try Atelier Pietro Longhi or Nicola Atelier.

 

When to do it

The dates vary according to when Easter falls, but the main events, and major poncing around, happen on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras or Martedì Grasso) and the two preceding weekends.

Learn to make a Carnevale mask
Experience

Learn to make a Carnevale mask

Venice, Veneto, Italy

Although Carnevale falls in February/March, you can learn to make your own Venetian Carnival masks year-round at one of several workshops in the city. Experienced artisans teach the art of papier-maché mask making and decorating in traditional Venetian style. Great for kids and adults alike.

Best for ages: 6+ | £42 | 1 hour

Website >
Overview >

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Venice Private Mask Workshop

Venice Private Mask Workshop

Venice

Learn how to decorate your mask. You will have a mask, the color sand and everything else that you may need to make a good job. You will enj...

€50 | Rating 4.96 / 5 [32 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy

Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class in Venice, Italy

Venice

If you want to live a real experience in the heart of Venice that's the right choice! A Venetian Master Artisan will explain to you, in 1 ...

€69 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [228 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Venice Private Mask Workshop - Create our Mask in paper mache

Venice Private Mask Workshop - Create our Mask in paper mache

Venice

Live the experience … turn yourself into a “mascarer” and create your own mask! Our workshop will allow you to take home your own creation. ...

€250 | Rating 5 / 5 [9 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo