Italy

What to see and do at Venice Carnival: events program

Mask competition at Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress
Mask competition at Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress

As you well know, the Venice's Carnival It is the most important event that takes place every year in the beautiful italian city, to which I still have to travel.

Visit Venice during Carnival time has the advantage of being able to attend one of the most famous festive events that take place every year in the world.

Indeed, according to a study carried out in Italy on the value for sponsors of the shows and cultural events in said country, the Venice's Carnival It is the event that has the most following among Italians.

Out of curiosity, I will tell you that this event is followed in interest by the Venice Film Festival and Palio Festival de Siena.

Curiosities history of the Venice Carnival

It was in the 13th century when the Carnival It was declared official party by Senate for the Republic of Venice. And in addition there are already written references from that same century about the use of masks in Venice.

During the Middle Ages, the Carnival had a great boom in Venice, with organized groups of young Venetian nobles being in charge of organizing all the events during the festivities.

During the 17th century the Venice Carnival was already a tourist attraction for the aristocrats of European countries.

the fall of the Republic of Venice at the end of 1797, and the occupation of the city by the Austrians and its integration under the Austrian Empire, took to the suspension of carnival festivities for many years.

Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress
Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress

In the fascist era of MussoliniDuring the 30s, these parties were totally prohibited.

The current revival of the Venice Carnival dates back to 1979, when it began to be promoted by Venetian artisans.

And today it is more of a tourist attraction for visitors than a great popular festival, compared to what happens in other carnivals, such as those of Canary Islands, Cadiz o Brazil.

What to see and do at Venice Carnival

Therefore, although due to the weather the best time to visit the city of Venice It is, without a doubt, in spring or autumn, the carnival season, in February, is a period of high tourist season.

This means difficulties in booking flights and hotels, and also higher prices.

Si vas a visit Venice during Carnival, you have to keep in mind that it is celebrated in February, and the temperatures are quite low and even snowfall is common.

This does not prevent the party from taking place in the streets, apart from the large carnival dinners and dances that are held in hotels and palaces.

Although the greats carnival public events and events They concentrate on the St. Mark's Square, This festival takes place in all corners of the city, even with events held on boats or gondolas along the canals.

Walking through the alleys and canals of the city is how you will be able to appreciate the splendor and beauty of the Venice Carnival costumes and masks.

Venetians walk in costume through the streets while being photographed by visitors.

And if you trip to Venice If you do it during a different time than Carnival, don't worry, because when you walk through its streets you will be constantly living the atmosphere of these festivities thanks to the incredible number of shops and street stalls that they offer. carnival masks as souvenirs.

And especially, to the shop windows of the Venetian artisan shops that show us their beautiful handmade masks.

Finally, if you are preparing your trip, this access will be useful to search hotel in Venice in booking.com.

Venice Carnival Program 2023

The Venice Carnival dates 2023 consist of from 4 to 21 for February, and below we detail what the main events that take place in these Carnival festivities, which begin with the Carnival Opening Parade that the day is celebrated 4 February.

Flight of the Angel at the Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress
Flight of the Angel at the Venice Carnival © Matteo Bertolin/Unionpress

Venetian festival on the water

El 5 Sunday of February the Venetian festival on the water which develops in the Great channel and in the sestiere from Cannaregio.

El sábado 4 de febrero opens the Great theater in St. Mark's Square, where costume parades and different events take place during the holidays, and where arts and traditions take center stage.

Masks and costumes contest at Venice Carnival

On the other hand, from 8 February the great develops Masks and costumes contest, one of the most important popular events of the Venetian carnival.

Feast of the Marys at Venice Carnival

El sábado 11 de febrero is when the Feast of the Marys in memory of a tribute that the Doge of Venice made every year to twelve beautiful and humble girls, and in which you can see different traditional Venetian costumes.

Street shows at Venice Carnival

The street performances of the Venice Carnival they begin February 4 and 5 days, and then they celebrate again Saturday 11 and 12 Sunday of February, to conclude from the 16 Thursday al February 21 Tuesday.

Official Venice Carnival Dinner Show

Furthermore, the February 4, 5, 11 and 12, And Thursday 16th to Tuesday 21st February It takes place at night, from 21 p.m. to 1,30:XNUMX a.m., the Official Venice Carnival Dinner Show, which is celebrated in the Ca' Vendramin Calergi palace.

Also, the 19 February there float parade in Campalto, and the 20 February, in Mestre.

Costume balls Venice Carnival 20232

Apart from popular events, the Venice's Carnival is characterized by large costume balls organized by private institutions.

Venice Carnival © Italo Greci/Unionpress
Venice Carnival © Italo Greci/Unionpress

If you are interested in attending some of these costume balls that are being organized this year, you can consult this Carnival dance agenda in Venice 2023 with concerts, dances and various events and private parties.

In this agenda you can also buy tickets for the Venice Carnival balls.

You can also check the Venice Carnival in Costume 2023 program, with gala dinners and costume balls in different hotels and palaces in Venice.

Tours and guided visits in Venice

And since, of course, you will want to take advantage of your trip to Venice To get to know this historic and beautiful city, here you have information about tours and guided visits in Venice, all made with guide in spanish, which you can sign up for.

To highlight the complete tour of Venice in a group or the most exclusive private tour.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

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