Date: Thursday, February 13
Time: 3pm
Venue: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista
Description: The ceremonial selection of 12 young women representing Venice’s districts, a centuries-old tradition.
Price: Free
Held annually, the Venice Carnival transforms the city into a living spectacle filled with colorful masks, parades, and street performances. This year, the event is being held from February 22 to March 4, with pre-Carnival festivities beginning from February 13. Themed In the time of Casanova, the program blends historic traditions, theatrical parades, and modern flair, offering masked balls, water processions, and creative workshops across Venice’s iconic squares and canals.
Alright, you’re coming to Venice for Carnival—good choice! But brace yourself, because it’s going to be packed. The magic of Carnival is in the atmosphere, the hidden corners, and knowing how to dodge the crowds while still getting the best of it. Here’s what I’d tell a friend visiting:
The Venice Carnival will take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025.
The theme for this year's Carnival is “In the time of Casanova”, celebrating the legendary figure's influence on Venetian culture.
Yes, many events, including street performances, parades, and costume contests, are free to attend, especially in popular areas like St. Mark's Square and Campo Santo Stefano.
Tickets for various events, including masked balls and concerts, can be purchased online through platforms like Headout or directly from official event websites.
Key events include the Festa delle Marie Parade, Flight of the Angel, and various masquerade balls and concerts throughout the festival period.
While it is not mandatory, wearing a mask is a traditional aspect of the Carnival experience and enhances participation in the festivities.
Wear formal attire along with a mask that fits the theme of the ball. Ateliers like Atelier Nicolao offer rentals from €200/day. Check specific dress codes when booking tickets.
Absolutely! The Carnival is family-friendly, with many activities suitable for children, including mask workshops, puppet shows, and Burano’s candy-colored festivities.
Venice is pedestrian-friendly; however, you can also use vaporetti (water buses) to navigate between islands and major locations.
The final weekend (March 1–4) features peak events, but earlier dates (Feb 22–25) are less crowded.
The best spots to watch parades and street performances during the Venice Carnival include Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), Arsenale Basin, Burano Galuppi Square, Riva degli Schiavoni, Campo Santo Stefano, Cannaregio Canal, s. Margherita Square, and Rialto Bridge. Arrive early to find a good spot.
