Sorry, Notting Hill. Sinto muito, Rio de Janeiro. If we had to pick, there's one carnival that outshines the rest. That, of course, is Carnevale di Venezia — also known as Venice Carnival — a feast for the eyes, ears, and everything in between.
From the costumes to the rich history and — of course — the incredible food, it’s a celebration that never fails to impress. If you’re lucky enough to be heading to Venice for the carnival this year, or if it’s on your list of future adventures, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this incredible event.
The Origins of Carnevale
Venice’s Carnival has an incredible history that stretches back over 850 years to 1162 when the Republic of Venice defeated the Patriarch of Aquileia. The victory sparked joy across the city, and Venetians gathered in San Marco Square to celebrate. By the Renaissance, those celebrations had grown into an official two-week festival, with the grand finale taking place on Shrove Tuesday, just before Lent began.
In a city known for its strict social order, Carnival was a chance to break free. Masks gave everyone anonymity, letting them escape their usual roles and even create entirely new identities. Venice became a stage where anyone could play any part. Men often wore the baùta, a striking white mask with a black hat and cloak, while women favoured the moretta, a dark velvet mask held in place by a button in the mouth that left them silent. Known as the moretta muta, it symbolised the passive roles women were expected to play. Yet Carnival also celebrated creativity, with masks ranging from comedic to extravagantly ornate.
After centuries of tradition, Carnival was revived by the Italian government in 1979, becoming a spectacular celebration of Venetian culture and artistry.
When is Venice Carnival?
Every February and March, Venice transforms into a city of colour and festivity. Over three million visitors — ten times the city’s population — flood the streets to soak in the magic. Highlights include the contest for the best-masked costume, held on a grand stage that also hosts plays and performances. The final days, giovedì grasso (Fat Thursday) and martedì grasso (Fat Tuesday), are the most dazzling, filled with parades, feasts, and music before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
For a few precious weeks, as winter fades and spring draws near, Venice becomes the world’s most captivating theatre, celebrating centuries of creativity, freedom, and tradition in truly unforgettable style.
What to expect at Venice Carnival
Prepare yourself for a kaleidoscope of colour, history, and revelry, all set against the stunning backdrop of Venice’s canals, grand architecture, and 400-plus bridges.
Masks everywhere
Masks are non-negotiable at Carnevale. As you explore the city, you’ll see everyone, from locals and tourists to children and pets — hiding behind masks, whether it's the traditional baùta or an elaborate hand-painted one. This anonymity transforms ‘The Floating City’ into a magical, dreamlike place, incomparable to any other carnival. Wander through the narrow alleys, get lost in the crowds, and enjoy the rare sense of freedom that comes with not being recognised.
A stage for all
Everywhere you turn, something is happening. Street performers, actors in full costume, and musicians fill the air with lively tunes, creating an electric atmosphere. You’ll catch a glimpse of spontaneous performances in every corner, from a masked actor monologuing on a quiet street corner to a trio of violinists playing a haunting tune as you pass by.
One of the most iconic moments of the Carnival is the Volo dell'Angelo (Flight of the Angel). This dramatic spectacle kicks off the festival each year, where a performer dressed as an angel is lowered from the top of the Campanile (the bell tower) in Piazza San Marco, soaring down over the crowd to land in the heart of the square. The whole event feels like a living dream, complete with music, cheers, and that sense of theatre that only ‘La Serenissima’ has the character to pull off.
Venice in Vogue
Don't miss the costume contests — they're an absolute highlight. Held in iconic spots like Piazza San Marco, these lively competitions bring together some of the most breathtaking costumes you'll ever lay eyes on. Contestants, hailing from all corners of the globe, spend months perfecting their elaborate outfits, ranging from opulent Baroque gowns to dramatic, show-stopping masks.
What makes these contests truly special is that judging isn't just about appearance — it’s about creativity, attention to detail, and how well participants bring their characters to life. Many people take it a step further by fully embodying their roles, adding a thrilling layer of drama to their costumes.
Calm within the chaos
Craving a little downtime? Beyond the lively chaos of masks, music, and parades, there’s a quieter side waiting to be discovered.
Hidden squares like Campo Santa Margherita or Corte dei Miracoli offer a quieter atmosphere, perfect for enjoying smaller performances or simply soaking in the local vibe away from the crowds. The quieter canals are also a perfect escape. While the main waterways bustle with activity, the lesser-known canals offer a picturesque setting. A gondola ride or a gentle walk along these peaceful routes lets you experience Venice from a more intimate perspective.
The food of Venice Carnival
Carnival, of course, is a time to indulge, and it’s the dolci that really steals the show. One of the most iconic sweets is chiacchiere, light and crispy fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar. These sweet, delicate treats are perfect for snacking on as you stroll through the lively streets of Venice. Craving a taste of Venice at home? Try our recipe for traditional chiacchiere di Carnevale.
Then there’s frittelle, another Carnival favourite that’s hard to resist. These deep-fried dough balls are often filled with creamy ricotta and flavoured with a hint of lemon zest, making them the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. Whether you pair them with a strong caffè or a glass of prosecco, they’re a treat that captures the essence of Carnival. Light, indulgent, and utterly delicious — they’re just what the season calls for.
While sweets dominate the Carnival, savoury dishes also have a place at the table. Risotto al nero di seppia is a perfect representation of Venetian cooking. The cuttlefish, cooked alongside its ink, gives the risotto a striking black colour and a wonderfully briny flavour. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up but leaves you craving more, with its deep, maritime flavours.
Another must-try is sarde in saor. This dish features marinated sardines that are pickled in a sweet and sour sauce made from onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts. Often served as a starter, sarde in saor is a dish you’ll find gracing tables across the city during Carnival, and it’s a wonderful way to savour the fresh catch of the lagoon.
Indulge in the magic of Venice! Our limited-edition Venetian Carnival menu awaits you, with tantalising dishes like Alfredo Veneziano – our decadent twist on the classic pasta Alfredo, made with buttery Asiago cheese straight from Venice – and exquisite Venetian Style Cod Ravioli. Experience the carnival in-store at one of our restaurants or bring the celebration home with delivery.
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