-Europe.Italy.Venice-
Three friends and I piled into our rented car and made our way to the celebrations of Carnevale in Venice. That was in the February of year 2006 and I still have vivid memories of it. The costumes, the masks, the excitement, the gay atmosphere.. its hard not to get caught up in it!
This is a pretty big event annually and Venice is not the only place celebrating Carnival, but it sure is really happening. So get there early, secure your parking space or accommodations and join in.
Venice is no slouch when it comes to tourists coming in droves, but Carnevale just trumps the numbers.
A picture speaks a thousand words so I will let these photos do the talking.
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What to do during Venice Carnevale
During the entire festival which is usually around a 15-day long time frame Venice is filled with events. This year it starts on 27 January – 13 February 2024. This year’s theme is interesting “Ad Oriente.. The Extraordinary Journey of Marco Polo” which is key for the design and setup of the whole venue and events.
One of the main traditional event is the La Festa della Marie. 12 lovely ladies from the Venetian region are selected and participate in parades and finally one is selected as “Marie of the Year”.
You can get a pretty good overview of what is happening where and when from this Link
Besides just soaking up the atmosphere, there are tons of activities such as balls to attend at different locations, concerts, there is even a short cruise in the lagoon. The usual ones for Venice are also available such as gondola rides or Venetian mask making courses.
Check it out below:
Dressing up for Carnevale
The costumes are what sets the mood in the entire event. We came across parades with costumes so convincing that for a moment in time – I let myself to be transported back in the magical world of masquerade balls.
There are some pretty elaborate costumes and honestly it would be pretty darn difficult to pick a winner for the Best Costume award but they manage it every year.
*Tip: If you would like to rent a costume which I highly recommend to get into the festivities , La Bauta gets good reviews for knowledgeable and friendly staff and fair prices.
After that, don’t forget to book a photoshoot all dressed up with romantic Venice as the backdrop.
They start off pretty young but they seem to be enjoying it- !
As a summary..
I had a very memorable experience – it was surreal and a lot of fun. I even decided to get my face painted and was dazzled by the fabulous costumes. Go ahead and experience it for yourself! there is still time to go for this year’s event from Jan 27th – Feb 13th 2024.
Enjoy Carnevale!
There is something fun about having pictures taken with complete strangers with costumes. Disney should know…
Watch more scenes from the Carnival...
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I’ve not heard of this carnival but it looks so fun and colourful!
Celebrating Carnevale in Venice is such a great experience! I’m from Italy but I still haven’t got the chance to go. I definitely need to do it! It’s such a shame I live so close and I still haven’t celebreated Carnevale in Venice. Amazing pictures, I love the costumes!
I’ve been to Italy many, many times as an editor and magazine photographer, but have never attended Carnevale in Venice. But it’s on a long to-do list.
I love big cultural events like this around the world. It’s such a fun way to really get a glimpse into life and traditions. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Those are great photos. Thanks for sharing what looks like a unique and fun cultural event. It looks cold and crowded. Did you spend the night there or just spend the day? Was it hard to get a hotel room?
Well, I actually live 3 hours from Venice , so it was a day trip – at this time of the year , its pretty difficult to get rooms unless you book it really early. The other option is to stay slightly further away where its possible to take a short train ride to and from Venice.
Your photos make me feel like I was there for this event! I hadn’t actually heard of Carnavale until this post so I had to look it up. I remember Venice was extremely busy when we visited and there was nothing special going on. Looks like a fun event – if you can handle large crowds.
Venice as I know it is always busy in the day – I love it at night as it winds down after most day trip tourists are gone. Carnevale is definitely worth the experience once!
Never heard of this festival before. Got such a old world charm to it. I would love to visit it someday to witness this cultural extravaganza.
When I was in Venice I was so intrigued by Carnevale and had to buy one of the masks! It would be awesome to actually be there during the event. I would love to see all the costumes…and I would probably want to dress up too!
Wow, those costumes! They are really cool. Have never visited this part of the world, but would love to visit the Carnevale once and get photographed with random strangers in strangest costumes!
I visited Venice a few times but never witnessed the carnival. Your pictures are showing me how much I missed 🙁 I hope I get the chance to experience it someday
I’m so impressed by your photos of Carnevale in Venice. You have captured the beauty and the excitement of this amazing festival including the costumes, the masks, and the atmosphere. Thanks for this awesome post, hope to visit sometime! 😊
Experiencing the Carnevale in Venice must be so memorable. I love how much work and thought goes into the colorful costumes. I have not been myself, but friends who visited told me, that it is a more quiete affair than the carnival in Rio or Cologne. Good that you visited in 2006, it might have been crowded back then, but I think no comparison to today.
The vibrant colors, the elaborate costumes, and the rich cultural details are simply mesmerizing. Indeed, events such as this are fun, especially if you are with many friends and family members. I wish I could experience this in the PH.
We have always wanted to visit Venice for Carnivale. I am sure during the 15 day celebration there is so many fun things to see and do. The costumes would definitely be the highlight for me. It would indeed transport me back in time. Definitely need to get this on our travel planning board.
What a cultural extravaganza. I am floored by the masks and the costumes. I would like to be bird woman. I would also like to see the mask making workshop and go for the photo tour of hidden spots.
I would love to experience the Carnival of Venice sometimes, but I don’t like the crowds. How amazing it would be to see the entire spectacle without the tourists. I am actually returning to Venice this year, but just after the carnival, at the beginning of March. It’s a wonderful city to visit in shoulder season, when there are no crowds.
This sounds exciting! It’s quite similar to our Masskara festival here in the Philippines. Anyway, its nice that there are many activities available. Personally, I would love to attend the Carnival Treasure Hunt and Carnival Party Cruise.
Would love to experience this next time.
Wow! The photos really did do the talking. I love that you were there years ago, but it still has a lasting impression on you. I’ve been to Venice but not during this time. Now I want to go to Carnevale!!
What a fantastic journey into the vibrant world of Venice Carnevale! The lively atmosphere, stunning costumes, and magical events make it an unforgettable experience. Your photos beautifully capture the essence. Grazie for sharing this spectacular celebration!