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Carnival in Venice 2023

Venice Carnival 2023 (Carnevale di Venezia) will take place from Saturday 04 February to Tuesday 21 February. We will collect information about planned events and dates on this web page.
“Take your Time for the Original Signs” is the theme of the Venice Carnival 2023.

The information on this page refers to past carnivals and will be updated as the Carnival date approaches. You can still get acquainted with the traditional events. Return to our website for updates.

You can find information about the main events of the carnival (dates and venues) on this page. The most interesting events are usually held on weekends at San Marco Square.

Plan your trip to the carnival.

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Carnival is the most famous event in Venice. Travel lovers come to Venice these days from all over the world. Be prepared for the fact that you will meet crowds of tourists in the city these days.

The next carnival in Venice (2024) will be held from January 27 to February 13, 2024. See you at the carnival?

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Best Carnival Mask contest. A traditional competition for the best carnival costume will be held during the carnival.

More detailed information will be published on the official website of the carnival. You will find the link here.

You may also be interested in:

February March
Mon 6 13 20 27 -
Tue 7 14 21 28 -
Wed 1 8 15 22 - 1
Thu 2 9 16 23 - 2
Fri 3 10 17 24 - 3
Sat 4 11 18 25 - 4
Sun 5 12 19 26 - 05
Venice Carnival Events Calendar 2023 (Estimated dates)

Events

The main events of the Venice carnival are repeated every year, but these events dates are changing. A new carnival theme is announced each year. The carnival ends at Fat Tuesday, 40 days before Easter. Carnival starts on Saturday, two weeks before Fat Tuesday in Venice.

Main events of the Venice Carnival

The most interesting carnival events take place on weekends. Choose a weekend in which you would like to visit Venice.

Changes occur in the carnival program every year: some events are canceled or changed, and new ones can be added. Based on the programs of past carnivals, we assume that these events will be held in 2023. Also here are the estimated dates of the events.

Date: February 04, 2023. Saturday.

The opening of the carnival usually begins on Saturday. Grand Opening of the 2023 Venice Carnival will be held 04 and 05 February.

February 4, 2023, Saturday (20:00 - 21:00). Opening parade. The parade will take place along the Grand Canal. The floating stage will float along the waters of the Grand Canal from Santa Lucia railway station to Punta della Dogana and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Start 20:00.

"Anteprima del Carnival" - Carnival Street Show Preview. Street performers animate the square. Address: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italia.

February 4, 2023 - Venice Carnival street show.
In the center of Venice (11:00 - 12:00 and 15:30 - 18:30): Santa Margherita, San Giacomo, Esedra Castello, San Geremia, Gesuiti, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria Formosa, San Cassiano.
In the Mestre area (15:30 - 19:00): Piazza Ferretto Palco, Piazza Ferretto Struttura, Piazza Ferretto Edicola, Piazza Ferretto Fioreria.

February 4, 2023 (10:30, 17:30). You have the opportunity to visit the Ca' Macana mask studio. One of the oldest Venetian mask studios opens its doors to show how carnival masks are made. Address: Atelier Ca' Macana Address: Dorsoduro 3172 - Venice.

Date: February 05, 2023. Sunday.

It is the second day of the Carnival opening feast. The water parade is the highlight of the day. Colorfully decorated boats will sail along the Grand Canal. The procession of boats and people in carnival masks will cross the Grand Canal, departing from Punta della Dogana (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) and destination - Erbaria di Rialto. Start: 11:00.

"Anteprima del Carnival" - Carnival Street Show Preview. Street performers animate the square. Address: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italia.

Recomendation Book your hotel for this weekend.


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Choose a guided tour or an activity in Venice.

Date: February 11, 2023. Saturday.

Beginning of the Festa delle Marie festival will be held February 11. The festival begins with a procession of Mary festival participants. Participants (12 beautiful girls) will go aboard the gondola from Santa Sofia (in Cannaregio) along the Grand Canal to Calle Vallaresso, then walk to Piazza San Marco. The participants will be introduced to the public at the square. Read more about the event.
Place: San Marco Square. (Approximately 15:30 - 16:00.)

Best Carnival Mask contest. Start of main events - The Best Carnival Nasl Contest - will be held on the stage on St. Mark’s Square.

February 11, 2023 - Venice carnival street show.
Piazza San Marco: 11:30 and 14:30.
In the historic center of Venice (11:00 - 12:00 and 15:30 - 18:30): Santa Margherita, San Giacomo, Esedra Castello, San Geremia, Gesuiti, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria Formosa, San Cassiano.

Mestre Carnival Street Show. You will see musicians and performers on the square. Location: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italy 16:00 - 19:30.
Present your carnival mask in Mestre.

The evening show "Original Signs" will be held at the Arsenal from 18:00 to 20:30.

“Friends of the Venice Carnival” will present historical costumes. Date, place and time.

The official carnival dinner Show and ball at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. (21:00 - 1:30). There is a dress code for visitors. The event repeats on February 11-12 and 16 - 21. Address: Cannaregio 2040 - Venezia, 30121 Italia.

Date: February 12, 2023. Sunday.

Not confirmed yet. Flight of the Angel. The girl in angel costume will fly along a rope from San Marco bell tower to the middle of the square. Activities for the public will begin at 10:30. The "Angel Flight" event will be held at noon. Traditionally, the role of the Angel will play the winner of the festival of Mary 2022 Alice Bars. Read more about the event.
Place: San Marco Square.

Best Carnival Mask contest.

February 12, 2023. From 11:00 to 12:00. The traditions of the Cologne Carnival will be presented at the Carnival in Venice. "Kölle Alaaf!"
Location: Piazza San Marco.

February 12, 2023 - Venice carnival street show.
Piazza San Marco: 11:30 and 14:30.
In the historic center of Venice (11:00 - 12:00 and 15:30 - 18:30): Santa Margherita, San Giacomo, Esedra Castello, San Geremia, Gesuiti, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria Formosa, San Cassiano.

Mestre Carnival Street Show. You will see musicians and performers on the square. Location: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italy.

February 12, 2023. Carnival event on the island of Murano is scheduled to take place from 11:30 to 13:00. Venue: Campo Santo Stefano.

The evening show "Original Signs" will be held at the Arsenal 18:00 - 20:30.

“Friends of the Venice Carnival” will present historical costumes. Date, place and time.

Recomendation Book your hotel for this weekend.

Date:11-12 February and 16-21 February 2023. Carnival Street Show "Diffused Art" will be held in the historic centre, on the mainland and on the islands of the lagoon.

Date: February 10-12 and February 16-21 2023. The evening show "Original Signs" will be held at the Arsenal from 18:00 to 20:30. The show lasts 30 minutes and is repeated twice a day.

Date: February 14, 2023 (Tuesday).

💘 Valentine's Day (Valentine's Day) will be celebrated in Venice.
Lido Island will become the center of the celebration of Valentine's Day 10:00-18:30. The program includes: romantic themed markets, awards for a four-legged friend (who got the most likes), romantic messages and selfies, the ONE BILLION RISING flash mob calling for saying “no” to violence against women and other events.
Venue: Lido island in Venice.

Date: February 16, 2023 (Thursday).

These are just estimated dates and events for now. The forecast was made based on the schedules of previous years.

Best Carnival Mask contest. Competition for the best carnival costume and the best carnival mask.

Mestre Carnival Street Show. You will see musicians and performers on the square. Location: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italy 16:00 - 19:30.

Carnevale di Burano. Carnival events on the island of Burano.

No confirmed yet. Ballad of masks. The procession with the figure of a black bull along the route Campo San Bortolomeo, Campo S. Luca, Campo Sant’Angelo, Campo S. Stefano, Campo San Maurizio, Via XXII Marzo, Piazza San Marco. This is an interpretation of the legend of Giovedì Grasso, the day of the celebration of the victory of Patriarch Ulrico Aquileia. Piazza San Marco. 15:00 - 17:30.

February 16, 2023 - Venice Carnival street show.
Piazza San Marco: 11:30 and 14:30.
In the historic center of Venice (15:30 - 18:30): Santa Margherita, San Giacomo, Esedra Castello, San Geremia, Gesuiti, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria Formosa, San Cassiano.

Date: February 17, 2023 (17:00-18:00). Parade of carnival platforms on the island of Lido. A parade of floats and people in costumes and masks will cross the Lido along Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta.

Carnival events on the island of Burano.

Carnival on the Lido. Market and other events. 10:00-18:30.

February 17, 2023 - Venice carnival street show.
Piazza San Marco: 11:30 and 14:30.
In the historic center of Venice (from 15:00 or 15:30 to 18:30): Santa Margherita, San Giacomo, Esedra Castello, San Geremia, Gesuiti, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria Formosa, San Cassiano.

February 17, 2023. From 14:00 to 14:30. Parade of traditional Chinese clothes. At the Venice Carnival 2023, on Friday, February 17 (at 2:00 pm) and Tuesday, February 21 (at 3:00 pm), fifteen traditional Chinese dresses will be presented in Piazza San Marco.
Location: Piazza San Marco.

February 17, 2023. From 15:00 to 16:00. Artists from Korea will present "Talchum" - a drama with masked dance, a traditional folk art of Korea.
Location: Piazza San Marco.


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Date: February 18, 2023. Saturday.

Wagon parade in Marghera. The parade will pass through the streets of Marghera through Piazza Mercato and Piazza Municipio. 15:00 – 16:00.
Marghera is a municipality (borough) of the comune of Venice, Italy.

Mestre Carnival Street Show. You will see musicians and performers on the square. Location: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italy 16:00 - 19:30.

Best Carnival Mask contest. Venue: San Marco Square.

Carnival events on the island of Burano.

"Savoy nobility" at the Venice Carnival. The historical group "Nobiltà Sabauda" (Savoy nobility) presents historical costumes. Date, place and time.

“Friends of the Venice Carnival” will present historical costumes. Date, place and time.

Date: February 19, 2023. Sunday.

Best Carnival Mask contest.

Not confirmed yet. 12.00. "Flight of the donkey" (a parody of the flight of the angel in Mestre). Place: Piazza Ferretto square.

Not confirmed yet. 12.00. "Flght of the Eagle" (Volo dell’Aquila) on the Piazza San Marco. The event will start at 10:30. The “Eagle” will fly along a rope from the bell tower to the stage in San Marco Square.

Best Carnival Mask contest. Place: San Marco square.

Mestre Carnival Street Show. You will see musicians and performers on the square. Location: Piazza Ferretto - Mestre, Italy 16:00 - 19:30.

February 19, 2023. 14:30 - 15:30. Parade of carnival platforms in Campalto. The parade will cross Campalto from Via Orlanda, via Via Passo Campalto to Via Bagaron and back.
Campalto is a locality in the municipality of Venice, located on the mainland.

Carnival events on the island of Burano.

Carnival on the Lido. Market and other events. 10:00-18:30.

"Savoy nobility" at the Venice Carnival. The historical group "Nobiltà Sabauda" (Savoy nobility) presents historical costumes. Date, place and time.

“Friends of the Venice Carnival” will present historical costumes. Date, place and time.

Recomendation Book your hotel for this weekend.

February 20, 2023. The parade of allegorical platforms will pass through the streets of Mestre from 15:30 to 17:30.

Monday, February 20, Starting at 15:00. Traditional masks of the regions of Italy. Carnival masks from different regions of Italy will be presented at Piazza San Marco. Look: Regions of Italy on the map.

Best Carnival Mask contest. Venue: San Marco Square.

Date: February 21, 2023.

The ceremony of Maria coronation 2023 will be held on the staged on San Marco Square. “Maria 2023” will be named. The 12 Marie will arrive by boat on San Marco Square, leaving from Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio. Crowning ceremony of this carnival winning Maria will start at 4.00 pm.
Place: San Marco square.

Best Carnival Mask contest.

Not confirmed yet. Lion flight (Svolo del Leon). The flag with the image of the Golden Lion (the symbol of Venice) at 17:00 flies over Piazza San Marco. This event is a symbolic closure of a carnival.

Carnival events on the island of Burano.

February 21, 2023. From 15:00 to 15:30. Parade of traditional Chinese clothes. At the Venice Carnival 2023, on Tuesday, February 21 (at 3:00 pm), fifteen traditional Chinese dresses will be presented in Piazza San Marco.
Location: Piazza San Marco.


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See also - events in Venice

Mascaron in Venice

Best Carnival Mask contest.
Contest for the most beautiful mask. The participants of the competition will present their masks and costumes on the stage, which will be set up in Piazza San Marco. The competition will be held every day, from 11 to 21 February. Come to the main square of Venice from 10:00 to 17:00. (The exact time of the shows has not yet been specified.) Check the details on the official website of the carnival.

Mestre Carnival Street Show.
February 11 and 12, and from February 16 to February 21 2023 carnival events will also take place in Mestre - Mestre Carnival Street Show (11:00 - 19:00).

Present your carnival mask in Mestre.
In between the Venice Carnival street show and other events, locals and tourists, adults and children can walk in their carnival costumes in front of the photo booth. Take a photo in your mask at the Venice Carnival.
The event is scheduled for the dates: 11 and 12 February, from 16 to 21 February 2023.
Location: Piazza Ferretto in Mestre.

Mestre is a region of Venice, located on the mainland. The audience will be entertained by artists and musicians these days on the Piazza Ferretto square.

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Visit a mask making studio!
You have the opportunity to visit the Ca' Macana mask studio. One of the oldest Venetian mask ateliers opens its doors to show how carnival masks are made. Learn the traditions of the carnival and the technique of making masks.
4 (10:30 and 17:30), 5 (11:00 and 17:00), 10 (12:00), 11 (17:00 and 18:00), 12 (10:30 and 11:30) , 13 (10:30), 16 (10:30), 17 (10:30 and 17:30), 18 (17:00 and 18:00), 19 (10:30 and 11:30), 20 ( 10:30), 21(10:30).
Address: Atelier Ca' Macana Address: Dorsoduro 3172 - Venice.

Carnival at Arsenal.
Some of the events of the Venice Carnival will take place at the Arsenal. (It is the former shipyard and a venue for various events now. Check the location on the Venice map.)

Ice skating rinks. Ice skating rinks will operate in Campo San Polo (Central Venice) and Piazza Mercato (Marghera) until 21 February.

"Savoy nobility" at the Venice Carnival. The historical group "Nobiltà Sabauda" (Savoy nobility) presents historical costumes and dances.
Saturday 18 February 2023:
- 15:00 in Campo San Jeremiah.
- 5:30 p.m. in Piazza San Marco.
Sunday 19 February 2023:
- 11:00 am in Campo Sant'Maria Formosa.
- 15:00 in Piazza San Marco.

“Friends of the Venice Carnival” will present historical costumes. The Association “Friends of the Venice Carnival” (“Gli Amici del Carnevale“) will present magnificent historical costumes. Members of the Association are people not only from Italy, but also from the USA, Canada and many European countries. The association organizes costumed events, including for visitors who do not have historical costumes. (Costume can be rented.)
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 - Campo San Jeremiah.
Sunday, February 12, 12:30 - in Piazza San Marco.
Saturday, February 18, 11:00 - Campo Santa Margherita.
Sunday, February 19, 12:30 - in Piazza San Marco.

Burano Carnival

Carnival on the island of Burano. A rich and fun program is planned.

February 16, 2023, Thursday.
15:00 - music on the square, children's carnival parade.
16:00 - activities for children on the square.
21:00 - music and dance in the former High School.

February 17, Friday.
15:00 - music in the square.
20:30 - Karaoke night in masks at the cinema.

February 18, Saturday.
15:00 - music in the square.
16:00 - show on the square.
20:30 - departure of allegorical platforms and carnival parade along Galuppi street.
21:00 - music in the square with Max & The Seventh Sound.

February 19, Sunday.
15:30 - departure of the allegorical platforms (in front of the church).
16:00 - music on the square with VERTICAL SMILE.
21:00 - music on the square with Dj SIMON.
22:00 - rewarding of allegorical platforms and parade participants.

February 21, Tuesday.
15:00 - music in the square.
15:30 - children's carnival parade.
20:30 - Departure of the allegorical platforms and parade down Via Galuppi.
21:00 - music on the square with Dj ALEANDRO.
23:30 closing of the Carnival.

Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, located 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the center of Venice, 45 minutes from Piazza San Marco by vaporetto (Venetian water bus).

To do | Events | Calendar | Accommodation

Recomendation See also: the most interesting events in Italy in 2023.

February March
Mon 6 13 20 27 -
Tue 7 14 21 28 -
Wed 1 8 15 22 - 1
Thu 2 9 16 23 - 2
Fri 3 10 17 24 - 3
Sat 4 11 18 25 - 4
Sun 5 12 19 26 - 05
Venice Carnival Events Calendar 2023 (Estimated dates)

Useful links for tourists:

Book hotel in Venice

Are you going to Venice? You can choose and book hotel before the trip on our website. It is not cheaper than on other sites (it is impossible). It is no more expensive than the other sites.

You can check rooms’ availability, see the prices of accommodation and see customer reviews.
The best places in the hotels are booked long before the the carnival. Take care of your accommodation in advance.

Examples of accommodations with good location in Venice:

  • 5 star hotel Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel (5 stars). This is one of the best hotels in the city. The hotel is located next to the Doge's Palace and Piazza San Marco. The hotel overlooks the Venetian lagoon. It is an excellent location for tourists.
    Check rooms availability and prices in this hotel.
  • 5 star hotel Belmond Hotel Cipriani is one of Venice's most luxurious hotels. It is said that this hotel is often chosen by celebrities. It is rare when the hotel has a large swimming pool and tennis court in Venice. The hotel is separated from Piazza San Marco by a canal. (The paparazzi will not bother you here.)
    Check rooms availability and prices in this hotel.
  • 5 star hotel Gritti Palace Hotel. The Gritti Palace Hotel is situated on the banks of the Grand Canal, in a historic building. Its windows overlook the cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute. It is luxury accommodation for wealthy travelers. Address: Campo S.Maria Del Giglio 2467 San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy.
    Check rooms availability and prices in this hotel.
  • 3 star hotel Rosa Salva Hotel (3 stars) is located next to St. Mark's Square. This hotel is very often recommended by the tourists residing in it. Tourists mention in their reviews: Great location, excellent breakfasts and friendly staff.
    You can book a room in this hotel online.
  • A good hostel Veniceluxury Hostel. It is one of inexpensive places where tourists can to spend a night for a little money. The hostel is located in the heart of Venice, a 15-minute walk from the train station. Shared rooms, a communal kitchen and a small terrace.
    Check rooms availability and prices in this hotel.

Recomendation See also our recommendations on how to choose a good hotel in Venice.

It is said that there are two worst times to visit Venice: the days of floods and the days of carnival. Come to Venice at any other time. You should definitely visit this city.

Things to do

  • Stroll through the Piazza San Marco square, take a look at beautiful people in carnival costumes. Most of those dressed in carnival costumes people will be happy to take pictures with you (and they will not take money for it).
  • See the most beautiful places in Venice and take photos (selfie). You can not make such photos anywhere else.
  • Buy a mask from a merchant on the street and join the participants of the carnival, walk along the canals and stroll through the streets of the city.
  • Buy (rent) a real Venetian carnival costume in one of the studios and become a participant in the carnival. Become a part of this beautiful city and colorful carnival.
  • Buy a ticket to a costume party (dinner) and enjoy the community of people like you, old music and Venetian cuisine.
  • Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. Gondoliers can be found at berths in many places in the city.
  • Choose and book a guided tour or a personal guide. You will learn many interesting things and see the most beautiful places.
  • Book a classic gondola ride or Grand Canal boat tour.

The skating rink will operate on Campo San Polo until February 25th.

The "Ca'Macana" Venetian mask workshop provides workshops where you can learn how to make masks. Carrying out in Italian and English is possible. You must register in advance on the company website. Address: Dorsoduro 3172 30123 Venezia (Italy).

Costume balls and Dinners

Many masquerade balls will be organized during the carnival in Venice for wealthy tourists and locals. It is necessary to buy or rent a costume to enter the Masquerade. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance (limited number of tickets).

See also: masquerade balls in Venice 2023.

Walking through the streets and squares of Venice and just watching what's happening is not the best way to spend time during the carnival. It will be much more exciting to put on a carnival costume, mask and become one of the participants of the carnival. You will get unforgettable emotions, memories and photos. Carnival costume or mask you can buy, rent, or even do it yourself. Information about one of the company of costumes and masks.


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