Venice Carnival 2025
About 3,000,000 people will attend Venice Carnival 2025 in Venice.
Feb 22, 2025 → Mar 4, 2025
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Venice Carnival 2025
Put on your mask, wear a lavish costume, and put on a show as you walk through the charming streets of Venice!
The Venice Carnival, first officially held in 1296, is believed to have originated even earlier. Documents from the reign of Doge Vitale Faliero, the head of the Republic of Venice, mention the Carnival as early as 1094. This was originally a celebration before the start of Lent, giving Venetians a final chance to feast before the restrictive Lenten season.
Mask-wearing became popular during the Carnival as a way for Venetians to break down social barriers and hide their identities. With masks, people could socialize freely across classes, erasing social divisions and allowing a sense of equality and freedom.
It reached its peak in the 16th century, when this event became a window to the world, serving to recognize the former republic's wealth and prestige.
Carnival ends every year 40 days before Easter, on the Martedi Grasso holiday. In 2025, the Venice Carnival will last from February 22 to March 4, with pre-carnival events starting on February 14. It takes place mainly at Saint Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), where the festival's grand opening begins. However, you can enjoy the festivities in many other squares nearby!
Pack your bags and prepare for a lifetime experience in Venice, Italy!
What to Expect When Attending Venice Carnival 2025
Expect to see The City of Canals transform into a lively theater! Visitors will gather at this celebration in their historical costumes, wearing customary Venetian masks.
You can enjoy art performances at the Piazza San Marco, such as the Flight of the Angel! Not far from Piazza San Marco, you can attend an exclusive party each year at the Doge's Palace, featuring a different prom theme annually.
Taking a carnival-decorated boat ride on the Grand Canal is a fantastic idea, allowing you to admire the magical city and enjoy captivating parades on both sides.
Music and fun are guaranteed, and you can attend private events, more precisely, masked balls in some hotels. For example, the famous Grand Ball Carnival in Love is scheduled for March 1. At this ball, you can enjoy a nice dinner and attend after parties!
There's so much to explore at this festival! Immerse yourself in the history of these festivities and celebrate the beauty of Italian culture!
The weather will be chilly, with average daytime highs around 5–10°C (41–50°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 0–5°C (32–41°F). Rain is possible, so bring an umbrella!
Tickets
The carnival is free to attend. However, to participate in special events, you must purchase a ticket or obtain an invitation. You can order an invitation for the Ball of Dreams (February 22) or Grand Ball Carnival in Love (March 1) here!
Security Protocols
- Security personnel will be stationed throughout the venue to check bags, help guide the crowd, and prevent overcrowding.
- Medical staff will be available at key points to assist in medical emergencies.
- Prohibited items include large bags or backpacks, drones, and dangerous objects.
How to Get To or From the Event
The best ways to reach the venues are water buses, boats, and taxis:
- From Venice Marco Polo Airport: Direct boats (Alilaguna lines) take you from the airport to major stops like San Marco, Rialto, or Fondamente Nove. You can also take the ATVO or ACTV bus to Piazzale Roma (Venice's main bus station), then switch to a Vaporetto (water bus) to reach key carnival areas.
- From Mestre or Venice Santa Lucia Train Station: Venice Santa Lucia Station has direct vaporetto lines to various parts of Venice, including Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), where many events are held.
- Vapporeto lines 1 and 2 are the most convenient.
- You can take a water taxi directly to or near St. Mark's Square or other specific sites.
Venice Carnival 2025 Bag Policy
You can't carry a large bag or backpack when entering the Carnival, and the venue doesn't provide a bag storage option. However, cloakrooms are provided for ticketed events and masquerade balls, allowing you to securely store small bags and coats.
Don't worry about storing your luggage since there's Bounce.
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Venice Carnival 2025 Bag Storage
Celebrate Carnival in Venice While Bounce Takes Care of Your Bags
A Bounce partner is at your service!
Explore Venice and choose a convenient location. Then, contact a Bounce partner who will find a secure place to store your bags. The price is just €3.00 per day. We won't charge you anything if you have to cancel because we understand that plans can change. We also offer 24/7 support if you have any questions.
How to Stow Your Bag at Venice Carnival 2025 With Bounce
- Book in a few taps: The process is simple. Choose when and where to drop off your bags, then book and pay online.
- Head to the store: Show your booking confirmation to an employee, and leave your bag(s)!
- Enjoy the carnival: Dress your best and enjoy this spectacular event!
How to Make the Most Out of Venice Carnival 2025
- Dress up: Plan your costume! This is a unique opportunity to buy or rent awesome costumes and carnival masks. You’ll find countless stores throughout the city selling unique, hand-crafted masks.
- Don't miss the main events: Events like the Flight of the Angel (typically the first Sunday), the Festa delle Marie parade, and the grand costume contest in St. Mark’s Square are must-sees. These will make the carnival truly an unforgettable experience.
- Attend masquerade balls: Book in advance for some balls, such as Il Ballo del Doge. Since each ball has a unique and specific atmosphere, you can choose one according to your style.
- Take a gondola ride: Imagine riding through the Grand Canal dressed in your costume!
- Capture the moment: Take fantastic photos of yourself and all the costumed people around you in Venice during the carnival!
Store your luggage with Bounce in Venice and celebrate life at the upcoming Venice Carnival!
All you need to know
What is the theme for Venice Carnival 2025?
This year's theme is The Extraordinary Journey of Marco Polo.
What are the dates for Carnival 2025?
The Venice Carnival 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025.
Is it worth going to Venice Carnival?
Absolutely, going to the Venice Carnival is worth it! The city is always charming, and the carnival brings a unique buzz. It's a blast to dress up in your chosen costume, whether you go for elegance or humor. With its rich history, famous masks, and a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, the Carnival today draws around 3 million visitors each year. So, book your stay early and dive into this captivating event!
What are the best days for Venice Carnival?
The best days to attend the Venice Carnival 2025 for experiencing the grandest celebrations and events are during the final weekend, specifically on Giovedì Grasso (Fat Thursday) on February 27th and Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday) on March 4th. These days feature the most vibrant and exciting events of the carnival and also tend to be the most crowded. Additionally, the weekends during the carnival period are generally the best times to visit if you're interested in seeing the most interesting events, which are primarily held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the duration of the carnival from February 22 to March 4, 2025. The weekends of February 22–23 and March 1–2 are highlighted as particularly noteworthy for attending.