Origins
Did you know? The history of Venice Carnival dates back to 1094. The Republic of Venice established this festival to allow people to fully enjoy life before the strict Catholic Lent period. Today, this grand festival attracts over 3 million visitors annually, keeping the water city of Venice vibrant even in the cold winter.
When I first attended the Venice Carnival, I was deeply captivated by the city's unique festive atmosphere. Walking through Venice's alleys, you can see people everywhere wearing gorgeous costumes and elaborate masks. The entire city becomes a huge open-air theater, where everyone is both performer and spectator.
Masks
When speaking of Venice Carnival, one cannot ignore its iconic mask culture. Venetian mask-making has over 800 years of history, making it one of Europe's oldest crafts. In Venice, masks are not merely decorative items but carry deep cultural significance.
Traditional Venetian masks can be classified into several types: the white Bauta mask symbolizes mystery and elegance; the long-nosed Medico della Peste mask was originally a plague doctor's protective mask; and the gold-leaf decorated Volto mask represents wealth and status. Each type of mask has its unique story and meaning.
Near St. Mark's Square, I met Mario, a mask-making master in his seventies. He told me that creating a traditional Venetian mask requires more than 15 processes, from plaster mold making, papier-mâché shaping to hand painting and decorating, each step requiring extreme craftsmanship. Venice still maintains about 30 traditional mask workshops that adhere to traditional craftsmanship to provide the most authentic Venetian masks for the carnival.
Balls
The most coveted events of Venice Carnival are its exquisite masquerade balls. Among them, Il Ballo del Doge is acclaimed as "the world's most luxurious ball." This ball is held in the 15th-century Pisani Moretta Palace, perfectly recreating the splendor of 18th-century Venetian noble balls.
In 2023, Il Ballo del Doge tickets ranged from 1,000 to 2,500 euros, and despite the hefty price, they were hard to obtain. At the ball, dancers in Baroque-era costumes waltz in candlelit halls while orchestras play Mozart's music, transporting guests to Venice's most glorious golden age.
Besides Il Ballo del Doge, various historic palaces in Venice host different themed masquerade balls. For example, the "Venice Night" ball at Ca' Vendramin Palace and the "Moonlight Ball" at Hotel Danieli Royal. Each ball has its unique theme and performance program.
Celebrations
Venice Carnival features not only indoor balls but also diverse outdoor activities. During the 17-day carnival, St. Mark's Square hosts various performances and parades daily.
The "Flight of the Angel" (Volo dell'Angelo) ceremony on the first day is most spectacular. A young woman in elegant costume slides from the top of St. Mark's Campanile to the square, symbolizing the official start of the carnival. This tradition began in the 18th century, originally performed by a Turkish acrobat.
Every afternoon, mask beauty contests are held in St. Mark's Square. Participants from around the world showcase their carefully prepared costumes and masks, with judges selecting the most creative and traditionally authentic works. The 2023 competition attracted over 2,000 participants, including enthusiasts from Asian countries like China and Japan.
Food
The cuisine of Venice Carnival is another highlight. Traditional festival sweets like frittelle (fried dough balls) and galani (crispy cookies) are essential. During each carnival, Venice's pastry shops offer these seasonal delicacies. In the 2023 carnival alone, Venice sold approximately 500,000 frittelle.
I especially recommend Tonolo pastry shop near the Rialto Bridge. This 150-year-old establishment makes the most popular frittelle, with people queuing from 5 AM daily. Their secret recipe includes adding raisins and pine nuts to the dough, then dusting with powdered sugar after frying, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior with a sweet taste.
Besides traditional desserts, Venetian seafood is worth trying. During carnival, many restaurants offer special festival menus. For example, the famous Antiche Carampane restaurant offers carnival set menus featuring squid ink pasta and soft-shell crab. Remember to book at least a month in advance, as tables are scarce during the festival.
Accommodation
Accommodation during Venice Carnival is a major concern. According to Venice Tourism Bureau data, during the 2023 carnival, hotels in Venice proper had an average occupancy rate of 95%, with prices 50%-100% higher than usual.
I recommend booking accommodation at least six months in advance. If budget allows, choose luxury hotels along the canals, like Hotel Excelsior on Lido Island, offering views of the Venetian lagoon from hotel balconies. For more economical options, consider staying in Mestre, just 15 minutes from Venice by bus.
Tips
Here are my suggestions for attending Venice Carnival:
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Timing: The carnival usually takes place in February, with exact dates depending on Easter that year. Plan for 3-4 days to attend major events and experience daily Venetian life.
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Mask Selection: For mask purchases, visit legitimate mask shops. Look for the "Made in Venice" mark on masks, with prices ranging from 50 to several hundred euros. Cheaper tourist shop masks are mostly made in China, with lower quality and craftsmanship.
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Photography Tips: Venice has unique lighting, especially during early morning and dusk. Bring a wide-angle lens for better shots of narrow streets and grand architecture. When photographing masked portraits, pay attention to lighting, with side lighting working best.
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Transportation: Venice's main transport is the water bus (vaporetto). Consider buying multi-day passes for economical and convenient island hopping. A 72-hour ticket costs 40 euros for unlimited rides.
Reflections
Each time I attend Venice Carnival, I gain new insights. Here, you can experience both Venice's glorious history and culture and modern interpretations of traditional festivals.
Behind the masks, everyone can temporarily remove their everyday facades and find their own joy in this magical festival. Perhaps this is why Venice Carnival has maintained its charm for nearly a millennium.
Would you like to come to Venice, wear an exquisite mask, stroll through St. Mark's Square, and experience this water city's unique carnival atmosphere? Or have you already attended Venice Carnival and have memorable experiences to share? Let's discuss your aspirations and expectations for this magical festival.