Every winter, Venice transforms into a magical stage of masks, music, and centuries-old tradition and 2026 promises an unforgettable Carnevale di Venezia. If you’re dreaming of ornate costumes, lively parades, and spring-before-Lent celebrations, here’s everything you need to plan your visit to Venice Carnival 2026.
🗓 When to Go: Dates & Timing
The Venice Carnival 2026 runs from January 31 to February 17, culminating on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso) on February 17
- Opening Weekend: January 31 – February 1: warm-up festivities and opening pomp
- Core Carnival Week: February 7 – February 14: peak action with grand parades, performances and mask contests
- Final Celebrations: February 15 – February 17: grand finale traditions and Closing Ceremonies
🎭 Unmissable Highlights
🚤 Festa Veneziana – Water Parade
Kick-off the festival on February 1 with the dazzling water procession along the Grand Canal. The Festa Veneziana, also known as the Water Parade, is one of the most visually stunning events of the Venice Carnival. Hundreds of ornate boats, many rowed by masked participants, parade from Punta della Dogana toward Rialto, with music and confetti lighting up the lagoon.
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👑 Festa delle Marie & Mask Contests
On February 7, the Festa delle Marie celebrates Venice’s most beautiful “Marys”, parading from Santa Sofia to St. Mark’s Square. The Festa delle Marie is one of the most historic and elegant events of the Venice Carnival, rooted in tradition and symbolism. The celebration honors twelve young Venetian women known as the "Maries" who once received blessings and gifts for their upcoming marriages.
Later in the festival, Best Mask competitions award the most elaborate costumes in front of an eager crowd. Held throughout the festival, mainly in Piazza San Marco, these contests celebrate craftsmanship, imagination, and the centuries-old tradition of Venetian masking.
👼 Flight Events
The Flight Events are among the most anticipated and symbolic moments of the Venice Carnival, blending ceremony, tradition, and theatrical drama. Taking place in Piazza San Marco, these events mark key milestones in the Carnival calendar and draw large crowds.The most famous is the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo), in which a costumed performer descends gracefully from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica to the center of the square. This moment officially signals the heart of Carnival Venice, combining aerial spectacle with historic ritual.
🌊 Arsenale Water Show
In the evenings, head to the Arsenale lagoon area for spectacular water, light, and music performances, a modern interpretation of Venetian carnival imagination. Unlike parades or processions, the Arsenale Water Show focuses on visual artistry and atmosphere. Boats and floating platforms carry performers, musicians, and dancers, while lighting effects, fireworks, and projections illuminate the water.
💃 Carnival Balls & Dinners
One of the most luxurious and atmospheric aspects of the Venice Carnival is its masquerade balls and themed dinners. Unlike daytime street events, these gatherings offer a more intimate, formal, and immersive experience of Venetian culture. Held in historic palaces such as Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, these events allow guests to step into the grandeur of 18th-century Venice. Attendees dress in elaborate period costumes and masks, dine on traditional Venetian cuisine, and enjoy live classical music or theatrical performances. Some balls are private or ticketed, making early booking essential for those wishing to participate.
✈️ Travel & Accommodation Tips
🏨 Book Early
Venice sees heavy demand during Carnival, especially in the historic center (San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio). Staying on the islands or even in Mestre can be more affordable and just a short vaporetto ride away.
🧥 Pack for Winter
February in Venice is wintery it’s often cold, damp, and occasionally rainy. Warm layers, waterproof shoes, and gloves will make your strolls between events much more comfortable.
🛶 Getting Around
Public water buses(vaporetti) run throughout Carnival. Expect schedule adjustments around major events, especially the water parade.
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