Be honest.
Haven't you always dreamed of participating in the Carnival in Venice? Slipping into one of the world-famous masks and explore the city as Casanova or Colombina?
Or, perhaps, you have an Assassin's Creed costume at home? While parkour isn't allowed in the city, you're sure to get some great snapshots while strolling through Venice – even without any athletic feats.
But when does the Carnival actually start?
The Carnival lasts about two weeks and kicks off with the famous Festa Veneziana sull’acqua, an artistic spectacle on the Grand Canal featuring numerous colourful Venetian boats.
Festa Veneziana sull’acqua - 1st of February 2026
More information here on the official homepage.
However, you should arrive early, as space along the different Fondamente (the sidewalks next to a canal - in this case, the Grand Canal) is limited (due to space constraints): just grab an aperitivo and some cicchetti on your way and enjoy them during the waiting time.
Of course, savvy travelers can simply book a hotel with a room overlooking the Grand canal: that way, you don't even have to venture out into the cold and the crowds, but can watch the spectacle from the comfort of your warm hotel room.
Otherwise you can choose one of the restaurants facing the Grand Canal as the "Festa Veneziana sull'acqua" starts at 11 am and lasts till 12.30.
Better forget about a view from the Rialto Bridge, there are just too many people ...
Angel's Flight
The Volo dell’Angelo, or Flight of the Angel, marks the true beginning of Carnival and takes place the weekend after the Festa Veneziana sull’acqua ... or let's better say, "marked once" the beginning, as this event is not organised anymore since 2023.
Once you could watch a lady (an angel) in a designer costume, flying down from Saint Mark's Bell tower - means from a breathtaking height of 100 meters -and landing in Saint Mark's Square.
Bye bye angel ...
Arsenale Water Show - A theatre on the water
This is a wonderful occasion to enter the former shipyard of Venice, the Arsenal, where all those mighty galleys and the state galley of the Repubblica Serenissima (the so-called "Bucintoro") had been built.
The Arsenal area is partly a military area (Marines!), partly an event area (used also by the Biennale), so it's not that you can enter this area whenever you want.
Since a few years a laser light show, acrobats and music narrate a story that differs every year (last year, for example, the theme was "Marco Polo").
This year it's all about the olympics, as ... well ... the Olympic Games are held in Italy in Cortina and Milan.
You absolutely have to book your tickets ahead. First come, first serve!
Here you find more information on the official homepage.
Pantakin - Theatres all over the city
More than 180 performances will take place all over the city on different stages following the tradition of the famous Commedia dell'Arte.
You can fin more information here.
Carnival Gala Dinner Show
Anyone with a well-padded bank account can purchase a ticket for the official gala dinner and ball, which takes place on various dates during Carnival. For €800 per person, you are in my friend!
Don't forget your posh Venetian style Carnival costume, otherwise you will only see the party from the doorstep.
More information on the official homepage, right here.
If 800 bucks is just peanuts for you, then you should have a look at the most lavish costume party of the lagoon, the Doge's Ball organized by famous Antonia Sautter.
It will for sure be an event you will talk about in years to come.
More information right here.
When is it usually busiest?
The best time to come to the lagoon city for carnival is definitely Mardi Gras or the weekend before, because on that day most Venetians dress up in costumes to celebrate the end of Carnival in the city's various bars or at private parties.
Now it's up to you to choose your favourite activities for Carnival in Venice. Have fun!
