Venice Carnival Tours & Trips

History of Venice Carnival

Everything in Venice has ancient origins, and Carnival is no exception. The very first Carnival di Venezia was held in 1162 to celebrate a Venetian victory in battle. It would be more than a hundred years before those in charge declared the carnival an official event. Once the declaration was made, Venice was embraced worldwide as Europe’s pleasure capital and symbol of hedonism. Of course, all good things must come to an end, and when Napoleon invaded Venice in the late 1700s he made sure to put a stop to all Carnival celebrations. Tourism to Venice greatly declined over the next 200 years, and it wasn’t until 1979 that Italy’s most decadent party made its comeback. The Carnival now brings over three million people to Venice every year, and the city’s winding series of streets and canals fill with countless masked party-goers. The act of wearing Venetian masks is what separates Carnival from similar events in New Orleans or Rio. The location, dress code, and price tag add a distinct level of luxury that you won’t find at any other festival. If you’ve ever wished to experience the sensation of being someone else, somewhere else, Carnival will give you the opportunity to live out your most elegant European fantasies.

Carnival Essentials

Wear a Venetian mask
Book travel and accommodations early
Venice will be very crowded during Carnival, so avoid this event if you don’t like large crowds
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you won’t be driving anywhere during your stay
Pack your umbrella or raincoat
Avoid private water taxis

Venetian Masks

Before you begin celebrating, you will absolutely need to select a mask to dawn throughout the festivities. There are several styles to choose from, each made from different materials that range from glass to leather. Some masks cover your entire face, some cover just half, and others obscure only your eyes. If you arrive a few days early, you can even commission a local vendor to create a unique mask that’s fitted to your face. Choose one that speaks to who you are - or who you want to be!

Useful Italian Phrases

Good morning: Buongiorno
How are you?: Come stai?
Good, thank you: Bene, grazie
Please: Per favore
Excuse me: Scusa

Venice Carnival Highlights

The Grand Opening
The Grand Opening of the Carnival takes place the first Saturday of the festival. The opening is marked by a procession of beautifully vibrant, lit-up structures floating along the Rio de Cannaregio, with massive crowds dance and sing along with performers to kick off the festivities. The Grand Opening is not to be missed if you want the authentic Carnival experience!
Festa delle Marie
The Festa delle Marie is a truly unique part of the Venice Carnival! Traditionally, Venetians were married on February 2nd of each year - in celebration of the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. As the story goes, one year twelve brides were kidnapped by pirates, and the city rushed to save them. Once they were rescued, the brides were greeted with a large celebration, and the Festa della Marie was born! Nowadays, locals vote for their favourite twelve women to play the brides, and a re-enactment is celebrated as part of the Carnival festivities.
The Flight of the Angel
A new take on a centuries-old tradition, The Flight of the Angel is something Venetians look forward to every year! In the 16th century, a Turkish acrobat walked on a rope from a docked boat to the top of St. Mark's Tower. Over the years, the tradition grew and changed until it was banned after the fall of the Republic. Since 2001, however, the tradition is alive and well, and a person dressed as an angel performs the incredible feat of acrobatics at the beginning of the Carnival festivities.
Donkey's Flight
A parody that's grown into a tradition of its own, the Donkey's Flight began as a joking response to The Flight of the Angel, when, in 2002, Roberto Cargnelli convinced an actor to dress as a donkey and lower himself from the Tower of Via Poerio. The stunt was so well-received that it's been repeated every year since, by actors, comedians, and even figure skaters!
Mascheranda Grand Ball
On the last Sunday of Carnival, the Mascheranda Grand Ball is the place to be! Located in the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a candlelit palace overlooking the Grand Canal, the Mascheranda Grand Ball serves guests a glamorous gala dinner paired with traditional Venetian entertainment. Lucky attendees are treated to live music, professional dancers, and games - all with an open bar! Standard tickets begin at €500, but guests can also rent 18th-century style costumes and sit at VIP tables for additional fees up to €1200. There's also an option to book a ticket without the gala dinner, for those only interested in the party, which is €250.
The Best Mask Contest
If you're particularly proud of your Carnival mask, consider joining the Best Mask Contest! Participants parade on stage hoping to gain votes in their favour, and the winners get to participate in a parade around Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). If you're interested in entering this energetic and fun-filled contest, you'll have to fill out a form and email it to organizers ahead of time.