Venice Carnival
The Carnevale di Venezia runs for roughly two weeks in February, ending on Shrove Tuesday. Its origins trace back to 1162, and after being banned by Napoleon and dormant for nearly two centuries, the festival was revived in 1979. The main events center on Piazza San Marco, where elaborate costume parades, the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell'Angelo), and the Marie procession draw enormous crowds. Beyond the official program, the city fills with masked figures posing on bridges and along canals. Attending the public events is free, though the grand masked balls (such as Il Ballo del Doge at Palazzo Pisani Moretta) cost 500 to 3,000 EUR per ticket and sell out months in advance. Hotel prices during Carnival are the highest of the year, often double or triple the off-season rate. Booking accommodation 3 to 6 months ahead is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 QuestionsWhen exactly is Venice Carnival?
Carnival dates shift each year because they are tied to Easter. The festival typically begins two Fridays before Shrove Tuesday and runs for about 18 days. In 2027, it will likely fall in mid-to-late February. Check the official Carnevale di Venezia website for exact dates, which are published the preceding autumn.
Do you need a costume to attend Carnival?
Costumes are entirely optional for the public events. Many visitors simply watch the parades and photograph the costumed participants. If you want to dress up, you can rent or buy costumes and masks from shops throughout the city (rental starts around 100 to 200 EUR per day for a full outfit). The most elaborately costumed figures are often amateur enthusiasts who spend months preparing.
How crowded is Venice during Carnival?
Very crowded, particularly on the two weekends and the final days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Piazza San Marco can become so packed that access is restricted. Weekday mornings during the first week tend to be more manageable. The city has implemented crowd-control measures including one-way pedestrian flow in the busiest areas.