Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival is one of the most fascinating and well-known events in the world. Every year, between January and February, the lagoon city is transformed into a large open-air stage filled with elegant masks, historical costumes, water shows and centuries-old traditions.

Strolling through the streets and squares during Carnival means immersing yourself in a timeless atmosphere, made even more evocative by the unique beauty of Venice and its historic centre.

The 2026 edition takes place from 31 January to 17 February and is dedicated to the theme “Olympus - The Origins of the Game”, in honour of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, with a packed calendar of official events.

For those staying a short walk from St Mark's Square, experiencing Carnival becomes an authentic and engaging experience, with the main events easily accessible on foot.

The origins of the Venice Carnival are ancient. The first written record dates back to 1094, in an edict by Doge Vitale Falier, while in 1296 the Senate of the Republic officially declared it a public holiday. Carnival was considered a time of freedom and the overturning of rules, a period in which social differences were eliminated thanks to the use of masks.

Wearing a mask meant becoming whoever you wanted to be, regardless of class, gender or origin. In the 18th century, Carnival reached its peak and became famous throughout Europe, thanks in part to iconic figures such as Giacomo Casanova.

Originally, Carnival began on 26 December, although some celebrations started as early as October, and lasted until the day before Lent. Today, however, events and celebrations are concentrated in the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday.

Each edition of the Carnival has an official theme, which serves as a common thread for events in the city and lagoon. Below is a selection of the most eagerly awaited events.
For the complete and updated calendar, please refer to the official website carnevale.venezia.it.

Grand Carnival Ball with Bridgerton
31 January 2026 - 5 p.m.
St Mark's Square

The Grand Carnival Ball inspired by Bridgerton opens the 2026 Venice Carnival with an elegant and engaging show in the heart of the city. Professional dancers in period costumes perform choreographies inspired by the world of Bridgerton, transforming St. Mark's Square into a refined open-air ballroom.

The public is invited to join in the dancing and experience first-hand the atmosphere of the grand 19th-century celebrations.

Venetian Festival – Carnival Water Parade
1 February 2026 – 11 a.m.
Grand Canal

The Venetian Festival officially inaugurates Carnival with one of its most spectacular events: the water parade on the Grand Canal. A colourful regatta of traditional boats, led by the famous papier-mâché Pantegana, enlivens the waters of the city, offering a unique spectacle that can be admired from the banks or historic bridges.

Arsenale Water Show
6–8 and 12–17 February 2026 | times 6.45pm and 9pm
Arsenale, Venice

One of the most evocative evening events of Carnival is the Arsenale Water Show, a spectacle combining water, lights, music, dance and artistic performances. The setting of the Arsenale makes the experience even more exciting. 
Reservation required. 

The Festa delle Marie
7 and 17 February 2026
St Mark's Square

The Festa delle Marie is one of the most beloved historical events of the Venice Carnival. The twelve Maries selected for the current edition are presented to the public in a costume parade on the Grand Canal, which ends in St Mark's Square for the traditional photo.

Also in St Mark's Square, on Shrove Tuesday, the winner of the beauty contest is announced.

Fat Thursday and the Cutting of the Bull's Head
12 February 2026 - 5.30 p.m.
St. Mark's Square

Fat Thursday is one of the most intense moments of Carnival. On this day, events and parades are concentrated throughout the city. The traditional Cutting of the Bull's Head takes place in St. Mark's Square.

The ritual commemorates the victory of Doge Vitale Michiel II in 1162 over Patriarch Ulrico of Aquileia and his twelve rebellious feudal lords. As a tribute and compensation, the successors of the Venetian bishop had to offer the Doge a bull, twelve loaves of bread and twelve pigs every year, a symbolic representation of the event.

Carnivale delle Tradizioni
16 February 2026 - 3.30 p.m.
St. Mark's Square

The Carnival of Traditions celebrates the cultural richness of Italian and international carnivals. Delegations from different regions of Italy and around the world bring costumes, music and folk traditions to life, enlivening St. Mark's Square and other locations in the historic centre.

Shrove Tuesday: the official end of the Venice Carnival
17 February 2026 - 2.15 p.m.
St. Mark's Square

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the official end of the Venice Carnival. The last grand parade of masks takes place in St. Mark's Square and the winner of the Festa delle Marie is announced, bidding farewell to the Carnival with an exciting and unforgettable show.

To mark the 2026 Venice Carnival, our hotel in the historic centre is hosting two exclusive masked events, organised in collaboration with Le Chic Venise, designed to offer guests an authentic, elegant and immersive experience inspired by the great figures of Venetian history and legend.

The events will take place inside the hotel, in an intimate and refined atmosphere, ideal for experiencing the Venice Carnival away from the crowds, but just a few steps away from the city's most iconic landmarks.

Carnival events at the Hotel Saturnia & International: 
7 February 2026 – Don Giovanni
14 February 2026 – The Legend of Casanova

Both events begin at 6 p.m. with a welcome aperitif and traditional dance lessons, followed by a dinner enlivened by performers and ending with music and entertainment until 1 a.m.

The events are subject to an admission fee, require reservations and require guests to wear a costume.

For detailed information, availability and how to participate, please contact the hotel concierge, who is always available to assist guests in organising their Carnival experience in Venice.