Carnival
in Venice
The Venice Carnival is a unique experience, a dive into a world of mystery and beauty that awakens the ancient splendor of the Serenissima. For a few days each year, the streets and canals transform into a living stage, where elegant masks and opulent costumes dance under skies painted with history.
From your arrival, you will be captivated by an enchanted atmosphere. The Flight of the Angel kicks off the celebrations with a spectacular descent into Piazza San Marco, while the streets come alive with musicians, artists, and culinary delights like sugared fritters and crispy galani. Every corner reveals a new wonder, an opportunity to get lost and find oneself in a labyrinth of beauty.
It's not just a festival, but a journey through time. Walking among historic palaces and bridges suspended over water, you will feel the echo of centuries of stories and intrigues. Even a brief participation means becoming a part of this rich cultural mosaic, experiencing moments that will be etched as precious memories.
Venice: 10 Things to Do During the Venetian Carnival
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1. Witness the Flight of the Angel This spectacular event marks the official opening of the Carnival. A figure dressed as an angel majestically descends from the top of St. Mark's Campanile, soaring over the enchanted crowd below in an elegant costume, symbolizing peace and beauty.
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2. Participate in Masquerade Balls Participate in the famous masked balls, where luxury and elegance merge. Ascend the stairs of ancient palaces, enter ballrooms lit by chandeliers, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of times past, dancing among elaborate masks and sumptuous costumes.
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3. Mask Parade The streets of Venice become a runway for extravagant masks and costumes. Every corner offers a visual spectacle, with outfits ranging from baroque and renaissance styles to modern and surreal creations.
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4. Gondola Ride Navigate through the canals in a Carnival-themed decorated gondola, passing under historic bridges while the waters reflect the bright colors and lights of festive decorations.
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5. Mask Making Workshop Join a workshop where skilled artisans will guide you in creating your own custom Venetian mask. Choose from traditional styles like the 'Bauta' or 'Colombina', or let your creativity soar.
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6. Traditional Carnival Sweets Savor the seasonal culinary delights such as 'frittelle' and 'galani'. These fried and sugared sweets become the stars in pastry shops, filling Venice with their inviting aroma.
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7. Carnival Markets Explore the markets where you will find stalls full of handmade masks, costumes, jewelry, and curiosities. It's the perfect opportunity to take home a piece of Venetian Carnival.
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8. Regatta of the Maries Relive the historic tradition through this picturesque regatta. Follow the decorated boats as they navigate along the Grand Canal, each carrying a young woman in traditional attire representing the 'Maria' of the year.
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9. Open Palaces Take advantage of the unique opportunity to visit the interiors of some of Venice's historic palaces, normally closed to the public. Admire the Renaissance architecture, frescoes, and period furnishings.
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10. Concerts and Live Performances The Carnival is also an explosion of performing arts. Theatres, squares, and alleyways come alive with classical music performances, street theater, acrobatics, and much more, offering entertainment for all tastes.
