Venice Carnival 2025: The World’s Most Famous Masquerade Festival

Get ready for the Carnival of Venice 2025, where masks hide more than just faces. The city will be a stage for grand parades, hidden identities, and incredible performances. It’s your chance to step into a classical world where anything can happen and usually does.

Here’s what you need to know about the Venice Carnival 2025 and what you shouldn’t miss.

Photo by drB drB

What is the Venice Carnival?

The Venice Carnival, more popularly known as Carnevale di Venezia, has been held annually in Venice, Italy since the 12th century. It offers people a chance to have fun before the Lent season begins. The modern Carnival was revived in 1979 and now attracts about 3 million visitors yearly.

Masks are the centerpiece during Carnival. They help people break free from social rules and class divisions into a zone of liberation. The most famous masks include the bauta with its long nose and the moretta, black and commonly worn by women. Masks were used for the first time in the 13th century. With a mask on, people could remain anonymous and chat without showing their identity.

Events held within the Carnival of Venice include several parades and balls. One of the main events is the “Flight of the Angel,” where a performer flies from St. Mark’s Basilica on a high wire. Overall, this is a time for people to have fun together while celebrating history.

Photo by Norbert ULRICH

When and Where Does the Venice Carnival Take Place?

The Venice Carnival in 2025 will run from February 22 to March 4. Pre-Carnival events start on February 14. The main events happen in Saint Mark’s Square, which is the center for fun and activities. Each year has a certain theme, and for 2025, it is “In the time of Casanova,” focusing on Venetian history and famous figures from that era.

Visitors can join in many events, like parades, costume contests, and street shows. One important event is the Feast of the Marys (Festa delle Marie) on February 22, which will feature young women dressed in historical costumes. Other squares in Venice also have activities, making the whole city full of celebrations.

Best Events at the Venice Carnival 2025

The Venice Carnival offers many activities that draw a lot of tourists to the event. Some of the main things to do in this carnival include:

Grand Opening “Floating Parade”: This event opens the Carnivals. A colorful parade of decorated boats moves along the Grand Canal.

Festa delle Marie (Feast of the Marys): This event takes place on the first Saturday of Carnival. It’s a reinvention of the old tradition where twelve young Venetian women known as the “Marie,” were selected to represent the Virgin Mary. They parade from the Church of San Pietro in Castello to St. Mark’s Square. The young women, dressed in traditional costumes are accompanied by musicians and flag-wavers. Upon arriving in the square, they receive greetings and gifts from the Doge.

Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo): This event involves a person, often a local celebrity, dressed as an angel who “flies” down from the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower (Campanile) to the square below.

Masquerade Balls: Several different balls are held in historic palaces; guests arrive in elaborate costumes and masks. Options include:

• Ballo del Doge: Dinner and artistic performances at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, reserved for an elite few.
• Ballo Tiepolo: A ball held at a grand palace with music and dancing.
• Casanova Ball: The event takes its name from the famous figure; dancers and musicians perform, imitating the 18th-century Venetian court.
• Carnival Extravaganza Ball: Banqueting and dance classes are taken as one travels through past centuries.

Shrove Tuesday Events: The last day includes costume contests and the Flight of the Angel, an aerial event.

Street Performances: Artists perform acrobatics, music, and theater in every part of the city.

Venetian Water Parade: The competition of the gondolas as floats in the canals will also be a part of presenting the local culinary element.

Visitors can explore events on nearby islands like Burano or Mestre to further enjoy the performances and attractions.

Photo by Helena Jankovičová Kováčová

Venetian Masks and Costumes: A Tradition of Elegance

Venetian masks and costumes are central parts of the Carnival tradition.

Masks are made using techniques like papier-mâché, gesso, and often gold leaf. Skilled artisans, known as mascherari, make them by hand, painting with detailed designs and sometimes adding items like feathers and gems. Each mask has a different style, with popular types like the bauta, moretta, and arlecchino. The craftsmanship shows years of tradition, making real masks highly valuable.

When you pick a costume, consider both comfort and style. Choose costumes that let you move for activities like dancing and eating. Rental shops in Venice offer a wide range of historical styles. It’s a good idea to try on costumes before you rent them to find a good fit. Masks also should match the costume and be comfortable to wear.

Photo by form PxHere

Most Famous Food At The Carnival of Venice

Here are some traditional treats you should try while at the Venice Carnival:

• Frittole: Fried balls filled with cream, raisins, or custard. These sweet fritters have been a tradition since the 17th century and are a must-try food during Carnival. You can find them in every pastry shop around Venice.
• Castagnole: These small, round pastries resemble chestnuts. Made from a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and sugar, they are fried until golden and then dusted with powdered sugar. Popular with both locals and visitors, they are a beloved treat during Carnival.
• Galani: Known by the name chiacchiere, these crispy fried pastries are made from a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. They are thin in texture, and when fried until crisp, they get sprinkled with icing sugar. Galani dates back to ancient Roman times.
• Crostoli: Similar to galani, with different textures, these fried pastries are often ribbon-shaped and are commonly found at food stalls.
• Sgropino: A refreshing mix of lemon sorbet mixed with prosecco and vodka. It also serves as a palate cleanser or light dessert.

Pro Tips For the Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival draws large crowds, especially in places like St. Mark’s Square. Here are some tips you should know beforehand:

• Arrive early to get a good spot for events or performances.
• For quieter views, check out smaller squares like Campo Santa Margherita or Campo San Polo.
• If you want to see the Grand Canal, walk along less busy bridges like Ponte degli Scalzi.
• Getting lost is very common in Venice; use a Maps app to find your way back.
• Avoid high-traffic tourist shops; smaller artisans often offer unique pieces.
• Public transport, like vaporettos (water buses), can get packed during Carnival, try walking instead since most places are close together.
• Carry cash; smaller shops and food stalls often don’t accept cards.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are cobblestone, and pack layers since temperatures can change.
• For a calmer experience, avoid weekends; weekdays tend to be less crowded.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Frequently Asked Questions About the Venice Carnival

Do you need the tickets for the Venice Carnival?

Many events at the Carnival of Venice are free, but some of the more exclusive ones including some masquerade balls, may require tickets. These can be purchased in advance either online or at specific locations. If you wish to attend a particular event, check if an entry fee is required.

What are the rules concerning wearing masks and costumes?

While most events don’t have strict dress codes, participants often embrace the fun by wearing masks and costumes. For formal events like masquerade balls, however, there are specific dress codes, typically requiring period costumes and masks. Masks should be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods, allowing for eating and drinking.

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