Venice Italy Carnival; Why is this event special?
A mix of Tradition, History, and entertainment. I'll tell you all about it...

Why do they wear masks during the Venice Italy Carnival? What is the history of this event? What activities are there during the Carnival in Venice? And what events are there in Venice?

I will tell you Everything on this page. 

CONTENT:

  1. When is Venice Carnival?
  2. History of the Venice Carnival
  3. The activity's during Venice Italy Carnival
  4. Why are there Venetian Carnival masks?
  5. Search for more events in Venice; Biennale; Marathon; New years eve
  6. You might like these articles

1. When is Venice Carnival?

  • in 2025, the Carnival will be from February 22 to March 4, 2025
  • The unofficial start in 2025 will be 1 week earlier with an opening ceremony. 

Take into account a more expensive stay during the Venice Carnival, because prices go up, and it is busy! Are you arriving in Venice around Carnival? Then, according to Parclick, you can park cheaply at the following places. Book quickly because it fills up quickly.

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The beauty of a Venice Winter I can't describe with words. And above all, the Venice events during the winter are a pleasant experience... Please read in my Venice Winter article the events which are taking place and what you can expect.

Venice's winter atmosphere makes it an excellent experience to visit. Winter events include New Year's Eve, which occurs yearly on Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice. Here's the countdown and my article about celebrating new year in Venice.

2. History of the Venice Italy Carnival

Carnevale di Venezia. The ancient event is celebrated for the transition from winter to spring. The celebration started in the year 1296 when Venice was a republic. An official established a holiday for the beginning of spring. Carnival Venice was only abolished during Napoleon's reign. After an interruption of almost two centuries, the tradition of carnival was rediscovered. Set up for and by commerce to create a low-season peak in tourists visiting the city.

Carnival has taken place every year since the 1960s. And with success!!! A period in which seemingly everything is possible. The event lasts 12 days every year and ends 40 days before Easter. It is always carnival in the period February/March.

However, there is not much left of the historic traditional Carnival in Venice. There is now entertainment for young and old, tailored to the international audience. But hidden in some Venetian buildings there are still performances for local Venetians, as it used to be.

But imagine: Go along with the other Venetian and have your costume. You will get dressed up in your rental apartment, and after party time, it is lovely coming home to your apartment. Reserve an apartment in Venice >

Enjoying the carnival is difficult without knowing about the...

3. The activity's during Venice Italy Carnival

The Venice Carnival is the most appreciated and famous in the world, which captivates travelers from every part of the planet with its unique atmospheres, costumes with the charm of other times, and a centuries-old tradition.

Are you joining a Carnival event in Venice? The possibilities are an authentic triumph of colors, folklore, and tradition, a remarkable succession of masks, costumes, and characters rocking and reflecting plays of light and color on the magical waters of the Grand Canal. 

For almost two weeks, you can marvel at costumes, boat parades, and concerts in this fairytale Italian city. The Venice Carnival is the largest and most important Venetian festival. It is a mix of tradition, entertainment, and history in a unique city, and it attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

I would like to refer you to the events calendar for a current schedule of all days during the carnival. I also have several activities that you can book yourself:

Are you looking for other events during the carnival? Book a Carnival tour, for example.

This event will be real entertainment, with actors exploring the city, and you will get a taste of Carnival History. Another fun activity is to make and paint a natural mask during the carnival. 

- Tip - Check out which Venice hotels are available during the Carnival. Already compare your flight to Venice for the Carnival. So, search which hotels in Venice are available early during the Venice Italy Carnival.

4. Why are there Venetian Carnival masks? 

Venice Italy Carnival history

Wearing the mask cancels any difference in gender and social class... In general, people wear a costume with a cloak and a mask. On the squares and streets, many performers entertain the tourists. In my Venice Mask article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about Venice masks.

There is not much left of the historic traditional Carnival in Venice. Now, there is entertainment for young and old, geared to the international audience. But, hidden in some Venetian buildings, you can still find authentic Venetian performances for locals Venetian. This fantastic local opportunity is as it once was. 

5. Events: Venice Biennale, Venice Marathon, and Venice New Year's Eve

And what about New Year's Eve? How lucky you are to be there during New Year's Eve. I visited San Marco Square on New Year's Eve in 2022.

There were no organized fireworks at the time due to Covid. But the square was full of people, all keeping an eye on the particular clock of Torre dell'Orologio. At midnight, everyone is joyful and wishes themselves a happy new year.

Yet another important event is the Venice Biennale, an international art manifestation held in Venice during the summer and autumn. On my page, you can read the most important points about the Biennale, art, and architecture. The Biennale is an international event in Venice. It showcases art and architecture from all over the world.

Venice Marathon? Cheers at the finish! And my name is called and my time. My wife was nowhere to be seen, drinking water and a banana. I made it, sweating and proud. My time was 1:11 hours. That's far too long, but I stopped along the way, took photos, and sometimes ran extra quietly to enjoy it. I participated in the last 10 kilometers of the Venice Marathon...!

6. The Public Holidays in Venice Italy

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Always handy to know! It would be best if you took notice of the public holidays in Venice. The vaporetto service has a different schedule, and some shops are closed. But, mostly, the museums are all open.

  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • January 6: Festival Epifania
  • April: Easter Monday
  • April 25: Liberty day and Saint Mark's Day
  • May 1: Labor Day
  • June 2: Republic Day
  • August 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary ( Ferragosto )
  • November 1: All Saints day
  • December 8: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • December 25 and 26: Christmas and St. Stephen's Day
Search for more events during Venice Carnival


You've read about the Venice Carnival. There is plenty to explore as you see. Discover Venice on my site and get more information about this beautiful Italian city.

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