Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the most famous carnival costume balls in the world. It is held annually in Venice (Italy), usually in February, before the start of Lent.

The tradition of holding a costume ball in Venice has its roots in the era of antiquity, when masks were used to eliminate social inequality between people. The first documentary mention of the carnival dates back to 1094. Since then, a lot has changed and the Venice Carnival has grown into a truly large-scale event, attracting more than half a million tourists every year.

Famous Venetian carnival costumes

Carnival begins on Saturday, a little more than 2 weeks before Wednesday of Lent. The last day of the Venice Carnival is Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). In 2017, the Venice Carnival will take place from February 11-28. In 2018, January 27 – February 13. In 2019, February 16 – March 5. In 2020, February 8 – 25.

The carnival begins with the ancient festival Festa delle Marie, which marked the release of local girls captured by pirates from Istria. In Venice’s central Piazza San Marco, a giant dove is launched into the air, showering everyone with confetti. Then throughout the city there are theatrical performances, performances by clowns, mimes, magicians, acrobats and other creative people who have something to show. Fireworks are launched. In fact, the entire city, with its canals and narrow medieval streets, turns into a giant theater stage for 2 weeks. And in numerous palaces in Venice, closed theatrical performances and costume parties are held.

In the central square of San Marco

The most important attribute of the carnival is special Venetian masks (and half masks). They are made of leather or papier-mâché and decorated with gold, feathers, and hand-painted. Themes for the masks were originally taken from Italian comedies – the most common masks are the Harlequin, Pierrot, Pantalone and Columbine masks. During the carnival, a competition is held for the best carnival mask.

Venice canals for Carnival at night

Other interesting events of the carnival include the solemn boat procession, which takes place along the main canal of Venice. The carnival ends on Tuesday with a parade of costumes, a giant bonfire with the burning of a straw effigy and a grandiose fireworks display over the Venetian lagoon.

A detailed program can be found on the official website of the Venice Carnival.