A medieval tale: What is the Venice Carnival and where does its story begin?
With roots stretching back centuries, the Venice Carnival began as a celebration of a military victory. The story dates to 1162, when the Venetian Republic defeated the Patriarch of Aquileia. The people gathered in Piazza San Marco to dance, and what began as a spontaneous festivity gradually evolved into an official carnival during the Renaissance. What makes the history of the Venice Carnival truly striking is its power to dissolve social hierarchies. Thanks to the masks worn throughout the festivities, the boundaries between rich and poor, noble and commoner, temporarily vanished. With identities concealed, everyone became equal, and all layers of society could celebrate freely together. However, after the carnival was banned in 1797, when Venice came under Austrian rule, it was revived in 1979 through the efforts of local residents and the municipality, regaining the splendor it has today.
Mark your calendars: When is the Venice Carnival?
The question most travelers ask is: When is the Venice Carnival? The dates change each year according to Easter. The carnival is scheduled to end on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic calendar. It usually falls in late January or February and lasts about two weeks. When planning your trip, check that year’s Easter calendar and make your hotel reservations months in advance, as the city becomes completely booked during this period.
The spirit of 2026: Olympos-The Origins of the Game and the carnival program
The Venice Carnival carries the energy of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics into the canals with the theme “Olympos – The Origins of the Game”. Running from January 31 to February 17, the festival is preparing to turn the city into a modern Olympus where mythology, art, and sport intertwine. This year, the masks will reflect not only mystery, but also the competitive spirit and aesthetics of antiquity.
The excitement begins on Saturday, January 31, with the Grand Carnival Ball in Piazza San Marco, while the true visual spectacle unfolds on Sunday, February 1. The traditional water procession gliding along the Grand Canal and the giant “Pantegana” boat, bursting beneath the Rialto Bridge, will greet spectators as the carnival’s most iconic opening ritual. Throughout the festivities, the “Echoes of Olympia” water-and-light shows at the Arsenale will illuminate the nights, while the “Most Beautiful Mask” competitions in Piazza San Marco will keep the spirit of rivalry alive each day. This magical atmosphere will conclude on Tuesday, February 17, with grand final celebrations and award ceremonies.
Behind the mysterious faces: Venice Carnival masks and their meanings
The defining element of the Venice Carnival is undoubtedly its masks. Each mask represents a distinct character and historical legacy, carrying its own meaning. The most popular mask, Bauta, leaves the chin exposed, allowing the wearer to eat and speak without removing it. Usually worn with a black cloak and a tricorn hat, it provides complete anonymity. Volto, also known as Larva, covers the entire face and is typically plain white, giving a ghostlike appearance that embodies mystery. One of the carnival’s most iconic and unsettling costumes, the Medico della Peste (the Plague Doctor), features a long, crow-like beak. Originally worn by physicians in the 17th century to protect themselves from disease, it later became part of the carnival tradition. Columbina, which symbolizes elegance, is a half-mask covering only the eyes and upper nose, often decorated with gold, silver, and feathers.
The magic of the canals: Celebration rituals and carnival joy
When discussing the Venice Carnival, it is impossible not to mention the rituals that mark its opening and closing. One of the most dazzling moments of the festivities is the grand water procession, Festa Veneziana, which unfolds along the Grand Canal. Beneath the Rialto Bridge, the spectacular bursting of the giant Pantegana boat is widely regarded as the symbolic and exhilarating announcement that the carnival has begun. During this period, the city offers far more than visual splendor; with street performances, water shows on the canals, and classical music concerts, Venice transforms into a truly living festival.
If you do not want to be only a spectator when you visit Venice, there are a few things you should do. As soon as you arrive in the city, you can choose a mask from a street vendor or a handmade mask workshop; this is considered the first rule of joining the carnival. Getting lost in Piazza San Marco, where the finest costumes are displayed, and taking photos with professionally dressed participants is a wonderful experience. You can also buy tickets to special masked balls held in historic palaces; these events let you experience the 18th century with baroque music and period cuisine. Gliding through the canals in a gondola while wearing your mask is the most romantic way to experience the carnival spirit. Finally, you should not leave without tasting “Frittelle,” the carnival’s traditional fried pastry.
To experience this fairy-tale atmosphere, all you need to do is set your sights on Italy. By booking a flight to Venice, you can arrive in the city of canals and begin exploring the mysterious world behind the masks. Yet the enchanting spirit of winter is not confined to the waterways alone. If you want to turn your journey into an unforgettable celebration across Europe, be sure to check out our guide Best winter festivals in Europe.
