Venice Carnival: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Colourful costumes, delicious food, live music, and usually a drink or two... Carnival, or the "fifth season" as it is sometimes called, is nearly here! Cities like Cologne and Rio de Janeiro are internationally known for their extravagant carnival celebrations, but the Italian city of Venice knows a thing or two about this festival, too. With elaborately designed masks, a unique ambiance and a full program of music and dance, Carnival in Venice is an unforgettable experience!

the venice carnival at a glance

• When does the Venice Carnival take place? Between February 15th and March 4th, 2025

• Where does the Venice Carnival take place? Practically everywhere in Venice including the suburbs of Mestre, Marghera, Zelarino, Chirignano, Favaro, Tesser and Macontenta. Just stroll through the streets, squares and alleys and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere.

• Do I need tickets or entry passes for the Venice Carnival? Many events and attractions which take place during Venice Carnival are free of charge, such as theatre shows, costumes competitions and more. For other popular events like the ‘Grand Ball of Dreams’ or dinner cruises, guests are required to buy tickets in advance.

• What is the theme of the 2025 Venice Carnival? This year marks the 300th anniversary of Venice carnival, which is being held under the theme ‘In the time of Casanova’. The 18th century Italian adventurer is historically one of the most fascinating characters from Venice.

 

 

 

 

 

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what can I expect at the carnival in venice? 

Flashy, colourful and eye-catching - these three words probably best describe the Carnival in Venice. As you walk through the many alleys and squares of the city, you don't know whether to be more excited by the unique architecture of Venice or by the many splendid and ostentatious costumes. From St. Mark's Square to the suburbs, Venice is transformed into a true open-air theatre where every kind of art finds a stage.

Besides the magnificent costumes, masks have become the emblem of the Venice Carnival. Most of them are traditional theatre masks which show only the upper part of the face. The masks are worn in a variety of colours and are usually elaborately and magnificently decorated. But they are much more than just a fashion accessory. In fact, they make it possible to hide one's identity. Over the years, they have also become a popular souvenir for tourists.

what is the program like this year? 

In addition to the hustle and bustle in the alleys, a number of program highlights await visitors:

February 15^th: the so-called 'Pre-Carnival' begins and marks the beginning of this years celebrations.

February 16^th:  a procession of typical Venetian boats. In the suburb of Mestre, the preview of the "Carnival Street Show" will take place in Ferretto Square. Every weekend there are musical, circus and clown performances.

February 22^nd: the "12 Marien" - a competition in which only women from Venice may participate. Dressed in historical Renaissance costumes, they will parade on gondolas along the Grand Canal before the "Mary of the Year" is ceremoniously announced on Rose Monday.

February 23^rd: The official opening of the Carnival with the traditional Angel's Flight. In this spectacle, an artist glides like an angel from the 99-meter-high bell tower down to St. Mark's Square.

The Venice Carnival is also a feast for the palate. At the so-called "Carnevale del Gusto", numerous restaurants, "bácari" (Venetian pubs) and hotels offer various dishes, cicchetti (Venetian antipasti) and cocktails according to the season.

The full program can be found on the official website of the Venice Carnival.

 

 

 

 

 

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tips for your visit

Who wants their journey to Venice Carnival to start with full parking lots or miles of traffic jams? Here are our insider tips on how to make your trip stress-free and what else there is to discover in Venice besides Carnival.

Make the most of your stay in Venice!

• Even though the weather in Venice in February is usually already quite mild and spring-like, rain and wind are not excluded. So pack waterproof clothing and a windproof jacket!

• In addition to the official carnival events, many restaurants, pubs and bars also host smaller carnival celebrations. It's best to ask your accommodation for recommendations!

• Don't limit your stay to Venice! Also in Mestre there are some fantastic carnival events, such as the "Carnival Street Show". In the surrounding villages of Marghera, Zelarino, Chirignano, Favaro, Tesser and Macontenta there are also parades and events.

• Also visit the surrounding islands. Murano and Burano are always worth a visit. There, the clocks turn a little slower, so you can let yourself be carried away by the flair of this UNESCO World Heritage City. On Murano you can also learn more about the world-famous Murano glass, which is made with a traditional technique that is only practiced here.

• Where many people come together, it usually gets quite tight. And that benefits pickpockets. So take good care of your valuables when strolling through busy squares or alleys!

 

 

 

 

 

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Arrival, accommodation & transport

Walk or take public transport! In Venice, it can quickly get cramped due to the narrow streets, especially in the peak tourist season. The so-called "vaporetti" are water taxis, making them one of the fastest means of transport in Venice. At popular stops, however, there may be longer waiting times on busy days. We recommend a walk through the more remote parts of the city. Use a maps app on your smartphone, or just follow the arrows and signs to St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge. Thus, you will not only escape the tourist crowds, but also discover the secret corners of the city and see how the locals live.

When it comes to accommodation, we recommend you stay in Mestre and just take the train to Venice. The accommodation in Mestre are not only easier to reach (especially if you travel by car or have a lot of luggage), but usually cheaper and more spacious than the traditional accommodations in Venice. Our stunning aparthotel is located right next to Mestre train station and a number of car parks, so you can easily reach it by train or car. Venice can be reached in less than 10 minutes, with several train connections and buses available per hour.