Venice Carnival

WHERE: Venice, Italy
WHEN: from 27 January to 13 February 2024

“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 program of events and shows is planned. Among these, the Feast of the Maries is probably the most famous. It has very ancient origins and is reproduced, rather faithfully, in its traditional version. This year too, unfortunately, there will be no Flight of the Angel.

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.

The Carnival water procession, however, marks the official start of the Venice Carnival. This is an evocative 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 Carnival Street Show, scheduled every day from 10:00 to 19:00, will feature street artists and circus performers along the city’s squares and streets.

Terra Incognita, however, will be the evocative and exciting show at the Arsenale, ready to fill the Darsena Grande with magic.

But Carnival is not just floats and parades. For the entire period of the event, large dinners and masquerade balls are organized in many exclusive places. Among these, the exclusive dinner-show at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, signed by the stylist Antonia Sautter.

VENICE CARNIVAL 2023 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.

• January 28th. Carnival water procession, from 11:00 to 13:00.
• January 28th. Parade of allegorical floats in Dese.
• From 02 to 04 February. Unknown land. Meet at the Arsenale from 6pm to 8pm.
• 03 February. Procession of the Feast of the Maries. Arrival on the stage in Piazza San Marco. Followed by presentation of the 12 Marys and the parade parades. From 3pm to 6pm.
• 08 February. Parade of allegorical floats in Pellestrina. From 3pm to 5pm.
• From 08 to 13 February. Unknown land. Meet at the Arsenale from 6pm to 8pm.