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The ultimate guide to Venice Carnival 2026: Dates, events, and travel tips
The Venice Carnival 2026 will take place from January 31 to February 17, 2026. This guide explains the must-see events, the Carnival’s schedule, and what to wear.
If you’re planning to join the Venice Carnival 2026 from January 31 to February 17, 2026, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know before joining the Venice Carnival — from official dates and must-see events to what to wear.
We also explain how to get around Venice and offer practical travel tips so you can make the most of both the Carnival and the city itself.
Here’s a snapshot of the key details for Venice Carnival 2026:
| Official dates | January 31 – February 17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Main areas & venues | 📌 Piazza San Marco (ceremonies & mask contests) 📌 Venice canals (water parades) 📌 Mestre, Marghera, Lido, Pellestrina (Big Floats Parades) 📌 Historic palaces and hotels (masked balls & galas) |
| Event schedule structure | 📌 Pre-Carnival: January 31–February 6 (lighter crowds, ceremonial events) 📌 Main Carnival: February 7–17 (parades, contests, daily festivities) |
| Opening hours | 📌 Street events: All day 📌 Major gatherings: Late morning to early evening 📌 Masked balls: Evening to late night |
| Admission | Free public events; tickets required for masked balls and galas |
| Best time to visit | 📌 Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. 📌 Fat Thursday (February 12) and Shrove Tuesday (February 17) are the best days. 📌 Weekdays are less crowded. |
| Highlights | Water parades, Big Floats Parades, Flight of the Angel, mask contests, street performances, masked balls |
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What is the Venice Carnival?
The Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, celebrated for its striking masks, elaborate costumes, and citywide festivities. Each year, Venice becomes a living stage where locals and visitors alike take part in parades, balls, performances, and traditions.
Venice Carnival dates back to the Middle Ages, with roots in the 11th century, when masks allowed people from different social classes to mix freely and celebrate together. Over time, it has become one of the world’s most famous carnivals.
The theme of the Venice Carnival 2026 is “Olympus – Alle origini del gioco / At the origins of the game,” an homage to the Olympic spirit set to sweep across Italy during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
When is the Venice Carnival 2026?
The Venice Carnival 2026 runs from January 31 to February 17. The celebrations begin with a pre-Carnival period from January 31 to February 6, followed by the main Carnival events from February 7 to 17, when Venice hosts its largest parades, masked gatherings, and official festivities.
In general, the Venice Carnival is a two-week celebration held in February or early March, leading up to Lent. The festival traditionally concludes on Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the final day of indulgence before Ash Wednesday.
What is the schedule of Venice Carnival 2026?
The Venice Carnival 2026 is structured in phases, with events increasing in number and scale as the celebration progresses.
Early Carnival
This phase marks the official start of the Venice Carnival. Events are limited and mostly ceremonial, and crowds are lighter. It is easier to move around the city and watch events along the canals.
Venice Carnival Water Parade
- When: Sunday, February 1, 11:00
- Where: Venice canals (usually Cannaregio)
Mid-period
More parades and themed events take place during this stage. Crowds increase, especially on weekends, but most areas remain manageable during the day.
La Festa delle Marie – Acqua Procession
- When: Saturday, February 7, 15:00
- Where: Venice canals
Big Floats Parades
- Pellestrina: Thursday, February 12, 15:00
- Lido di Venezia: Friday, February 13, 17:00
Venice Invitational Carnival Race
- When: February 14 & 15, Saturday & Sunday, 08:00
- Where: Venice
Final period
This is when the main Carnival events take place. Parades, competitions, and public gatherings happen daily, and crowds are heavy, especially in central areas and near Piazza San Marco.
Big Floats Parades
- Marghera: Saturday, February 14, 15:00
- Mestre: Monday, February 16, 15:30
- Zelarino: Tuesday, February 17, 14:30
The Most Beautiful Mask Contest – Final Round
- When: Tuesday, February 17, 16:00
- Where: Piazza San Marco
What is the best day to go to Venice Carnival?
The best days to visit Venice Carnival are Fat Thursday (February 12) and Shrove Tuesday (February 17).
Fat Thursday, or Giovedì Grasso, marks the start of the main Carnival celebrations, when large public events and parades begin, and the city fills with masked and costumed participants. Fat Tuesday, or Martedì Grasso, is the final day of the Carnival, featuring the closing events and the highest concentration of elaborate masks and performances.
For a more relaxed, intimate experience on either day, plan to explore early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when crowds are thinner than at peak midday. Also, knowing how many days you need in Venice helps you plan around peak Carnival hours and avoid rushing between events.
Must-see events in Venice Carnival 2026
The Venice Carnival features a mix of historic ceremonies, formal masked events, and open-air performances held throughout the city. Some events are scheduled highlights with set times, while others unfold throughout the day in streets and public squares.
The Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo)
One of the most iconic Carnival moments, this event marks the official opening of the main celebrations. A performer descends from the bell tower of Piazza San Marco to the square below, watched by thousands of spectators in costume. It’s a short event, but highly symbolic and very crowded.
Masked balls and official gala events
Masked balls and gala events are ticketed evening events and are the most formal part of the Venice Carnival. They usually have strict dress codes, and guests are expected to wear full costumes or elegant masquerade outfits. These events sell out quickly, so booking ahead is important.
Some well-known options include the Dinner Show “Ambrosia’s Chant,” the Carnival Extravaganza, and the Minuetto evenings at Hotel Monaco, which combine dinner, live music, and costumed performances.
There are also large, high-end masquerade events such as Il Ballo del Doge, Carnival in Love Grand Ball, and The Ball of Dreams, known for carefully planned shows, detailed costumes, and a more exclusive setting than street events.
Street performances and free carnival events
Throughout the Carnival, Venice’s streets and squares fill with musicians, actors, acrobats, and masked performers. These events are informal, free to watch, and take place throughout the day, especially in central areas such as Piazza San Marco and along major canals.
What to wear to Venice Carnival 2026?
Masks are the most common way people take part in the Venice Carnival, and they are worn throughout the city during the celebrations.
Many visitors choose simple, decorative masks that can be purchased locally and paired with regular clothing, while others opt for traditional Venice Carnival costumes inspired by historical dress. Full costumes are typically rented from specialized costume houses and vary widely in style, detail, and price, with some ranging from €280 to €800.
Classic masks such as the bauta, moretta, and gnaga, and garments like the tabarro, come from a long Carnival tradition in which disguises allowed people to move through Venice without revealing their identity. This temporary anonymity helped erase social distinctions during the festivities.
Wearing a costume is optional for most events and street celebrations, but formal masks and period attire are usually required for masked balls and official evening galas.
Where to stay during Venice Carnival 2026?
The best place to stay in Venice depends on your budget and your travel priorities. Some areas put you right in the middle of events and crowds, while others offer quieter nights with easy access to the celebrations.
| Area | What’s it like | Best for | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Marco / Rialto | Central location near major events, constant activity | First-time visitors who want to be at the heart of the Carnival | €250–€500+ |
| Dorsoduro | Lively but less congested, good food and nightlife | Visitors who want balance without huge crowds | €180–€350 |
| Cannaregio | More residential, local atmosphere, good evening options | Travelers who prefer quieter streets at night | €150–€300 |
| Giudecca / Castello | Calm, residential feel with easy vaporetto access | Those who want space and slower evenings | €140–€280 |
| Mestre (mainland) | Outside Venice, fast train or bus connections | Budget-focused travelers and longer stays | €80–€180 |
How to get around Venice Carnival 2026?
Venice has no cars, so getting around Venice means walking or using boats. During the Carnival, walking is usually the quickest way to move through the historic center. Street signs point to key areas such as San Marco and Rialto, and raised walkways keep main routes navigable during high water.
For longer trips, use the vaporetto (waterbus), which connects neighborhoods and nearby islands. Multi-day passes are the most practical choice during the Carnival. For quick crossings of the Grand Canal, traghetti (gondola ferries) are available at select points.
Expect slower travel and crowded boats during peak Carnival hours, particularly in the late afternoon and evening.
Tip! If you’re looking to go outside the city, check out some of the best day trips from Venice.
Practical tips for visiting Venice Carnival 2026
The Venice Carnival 2026 is busy, expensive, and weather-dependent. A bit of planning makes the experience smoother and less stressful.
- Book hotels early to secure better prices and central locations during peak Carnival days.
- Secure valuables in crowded areas, especially near San Marco and on vaporetti.
- Shop at supermarkets in Venice for water, snacks, and quick meals to save money during Carnival.
- Dress for cold and damp weather with layers and waterproof shoes.
- Check tide forecasts to plan routes and avoid flooded areas.
- Plan a higher daily budget due to increased prices across the city.
- Walk when possible to avoid crowded waterbuses during peak hours.
- Use a SIM or eSIM for Venice to access maps, transport updates, and event times.
Stay connected during Venice Carnival 2026
Use Holafly’s eSIM for Venice to stay online with unlimited data, flexible plans from 1 to 90 days, and up to 5G coverage through partner networks, including Vodafone Italy and WINDTRE. It’s useful for maps, transport updates, and event schedules during the busy Carnival days.
The plan includes 24/7 customer support and up to 500 MB of daily data sharing. If you’re traveling beyond Venice or Italy, Holafly’s Global eSIM offers unlimited data in 121 countries.
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