Venice Carnival is 10 days of elaborate masks, costume parades, and piazza performances ending on Shrove Tuesday. It’s been running (with interruptions) since 1162.
Plan this trip →Approximately February 7–17, 2026 (confirm at carnevale.venezia.it). The last weekend (Sat–Tue) is the peak. Giovedi Grasso (Fat Thursday) and Martedi Grasso (Shrove Tuesday) are the main events.
Piazza San Marco: the main stage. Costume parades, the Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel — someone ziplines from the Campanile to the piazza). Mask culture: the elaborate Bauta, Moretta, and Medico della Peste (plague doctor) masks date from the 17th–18th century. You’ll see hundreds of people in full period costume posing for photos — many are amateurs, not performers. Free: walking the streets during Carnival is free. The spectacle is everywhere.
Hotels: €150–400+/night during Carnival (vs. €60–120 in normal Feb). Book 3–6 months ahead. Mask: a decent handmade Venetian mask costs €40–200 at Ca’ Macana or Tragicomica (authentic artisans). Tourist shop masks: €5–15 (made in China, but functional). Masquerade ball: various private events, €150–500+ per ticket including dinner.
Go on a weekday for fewer crowds (the weekends are insane). Photograph costumes against the fog — the combination of Venetian mist + elaborate masks is unlike anything else on earth. Eat: fritole (Carnival doughnuts, at every bakery, €1–2) and galani (fried pastry strips).