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Venice Carnival
- 29/01/2022
- 23:00
WHERE: Venice, Italy
WHEN: from February 12th to March 1st 2022
“A mask tells us more than one face” (Oscar Wilde)
Venice and the Carnival, an indissoluble couple.
No city in the world, can better enhance the traditional costume party. It will be for its atmosphere. It will be for the evocative charm of the lagoon … There is no doubt that those who love this party, can certainly not miss the Venice Carnival. It is one of the most popular and appreciated events in the world.
An event in which masks, and disguises, are the real protagonists. An event in which everyone participates joyfully and carefree. The moment when everyone gets rid of their daily life, identifying themselves with their character and their disguise. No prejudice; no class difference. Venice becomes a unique and immense stage, where everyone is an actor, a protagonist and a spectator.
Among the most famous and popular masks, there is certainly the Bauta, a purely Venetian figure, with a mask covering the whole face, and a dark cloak. Both men and women wear it. In ancient times, it was used above all for courting completely anonymously.
The origins of the party are quite ancient. A document from the 11th century mentions, for the first time, the term Carnival, combining it with public entertainment. The first official document declaring the Venice Carnival, a public festival, dates back to 1296.
Today, the Venice Carnival is an absolutely unique and unmissable event. The right opportunity to (re) discover an absolutely marvelous city.
THE MAIN SHOWS
Also for this edition, a full schedule of events and shows is planned. Among these, the Feast of the Marys and the Flight Of The Angel are probably the most famous. Both have very ancient origins and are reproduced quite faithfully in their traditional versions.
Photo, 2011 Godromil
The Feat of the Marys was restored in 1999. It is a beautiful and spectacular procession that accompanies twelve local beauties, that is, the Marys. The girls are chosen through a special competition in the weeks preceding the Venice Carnival. The procession starts from San Pietro di Castello, and, along via Garibaldi and Riva degli Schiavoni, will arrive on the stage in Piazza San Marco. Here, the presentation of the 12 Marys and the parades of the parade will take place. It closes with the Collective Farandola. It is a historical dance, which winds like a snake through Piazza San Marco; between music, dances and dancers, numerous spectators will be involved.
Of great appeal is the Flight of the Angel. An artist, makes the descent from the Bell Tower in Piazza San Marco, attached to a metal cable. All you have to do is look up to heaven. The show is guaranteed. Given the success, the show is also presented a second time, under a different name. This is the Flight of the Eagle. Unfortunately, for 2022, the Flight of the Angel was canceled due to COVID!
The Venetian Festival on the water, on the other hand, marks the official start of the Venice Carnival. It is a suggestive event on the waters of the Rio di Cannaregio. Many boats will parade on the water in a wonderful play of lights and sounds. Very beautiful. The Svolo del Leon is the ritual that marks the end of the Venice Carnival. The winged lion, symbol of the city, will be raised up to the bell tower of Piazza San Marco. Ready to welcome him, the twelve Marys.
But Carnival is not just about floats and parades. For the entire period of the festival, large dinners and masked balls are organized in many exclusive places. Among these, for example, the Tiepolo Ball at the fascinating Palazzo Pisani Moretta. Dress rental at the atelier, dinner and exclusive masked ball with orchestra. Prices over 500€ per person!
VENICE CARNIVAL 2022 PROGRAM
Below, the main events on the bill not to be missed. The complete list is available on the official website of the Venice Carnival. Due to the pandemic, many events will take place in a “soft” fashion. Others will be deleted to avoid crowds.
- 13 Feb. Venetian festival on the water.
- 19 Feb. Procession of the Feast of Marys. Arrival on the stage of Piazza San Marco. Presentation of the 12 Marys and the parades of the parade follows.
- 20 Feb.
Flight of the Angel. The event will be preceded, at 11:00, by shows and entertainment with many groups and artists, including precious costumes, colors, refinement and history. - 27 Feb, 12:00. The Flight of the Eagle, in Piazza San Marco.
- 27 Feb. Final of the “The Most Beautiful Mask” Competition, in Piazza San Marco.
- 28 Feb. Competition for children “The most beautiful mask”, in Piazza San Marco.
- 01 March, 4:00 pm. Maria award ceremony of the 2022 Carnival. Departure of the water procession from San Giacomo dell’Orio, at 4 pm, and arrival in Piazza San Marco. At 4:30 pm there is the coronation by the Doge of the sweetest and most graceful damsel.
- 01 March, 17:00. The Svolo del Leon.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Venice it is, without a doubt, one of the most visited and most touristic cities, especially in conjunction with events like this. In this period, it is very difficult to find accommodation in the center. Furthermore, prices rise in an incredible way.
We recommend that you find accommodation in Venice Lido. Alternatively, in Mestre, there are excellent opportunities. Thanks to an efficient transport system, active 24 hours on 24, you will have the maximum freedom to move around the city.
The program, timetable and all information contained herein are for information purposes only and are not to be considered OFFICIAL. Due to the situation linked to the pandemic, whose evolution is impossible to know in advance, it is necessary to inquire about the rules applied in Italy before leaving. Especially inquire about the mandatory vaccination and/or negative swab. The event is subject to change or cancellation following the evolution of the Pandemic.