Venice Carnival: Get an invitation for a Masquerade Ball during the Carnival of Venice in 2024

Carnival Balls in Venice

The Magic of a Carnival Ball inVenice

The Grand Ball - 10 February 2024

The Ball of Dreams - 3 February 2024

Imagine walking through the streets during the Carnival of Venice, beautifully dressed  in your historical costume. Your gondola is waiting for you. The gondolier silently manoeuvres the boat through the water. You admire the beautiful old palaces along the Grand Canal.  The boat slides into one of the side canals, and an elegant masked man courtly helps you to step out. Further ahead you see a palace in a faint red glow. That must be it!  A magician invites you  through the large door.  An evening of music, romance and enchantment  is waiting for you....

Dates Carnevale di Venezia: 3  February - 13 February 2024

I Like to be invited

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Examples of historical costumes

What happens during a Masquerade Ball

Visiting a ''ballo in maschera" during the 'Carnevale di Venezia' in one of the palaces in Venice is a once in a lifetime experience. ​ It should definitely be on your bucket list.
​There are three kinds of balls during the Carnival of Venice:

• formal balls, with a dinner, performances and a strict dress code. Guests are usually seated at tables of 6 to 10 people.
• after dinner parties belonging to formal ball, with drinks and dancing, dress code black tie/long evening dress with masks
• cocktail or chocolate events, usually in the (late) afternoon.

​The formal balls usually start around 20:00 h. with drinks (often prosecco or Bellini cocktails, the famous mix of peach and prosecco of Harry's Bar).  Around 21.00 the seated dinner starts, usually containing 4 or 5 courses. During dinner there are several performances within the theme of the ball. Around 23:00 h.  guests with an after dinner ticket arrive and  dancing to modern music starts.

I like to be invited

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I have been to Venice several times, but this year's experience topped it. The Carnival in Love Grand ball hosted by Giulia Russolo and her staff was an amazing experience with every detail from the decor, service, entertainment, food wine, and costumes.
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Tropixtrav on Tripadvisor

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How to get an invitation for the Grand Ball

 One of the families that organize formal carnival balls is the Russolo family.  Their balls take place in one of the beautiful historical palazzo's in Venice. The Russolo's organize: ​

• The Ball of Dreams on Saturday 3 February 2024
• The Grand Ball Carnival in Love on Saturday 10 February 2024

​Though their balls attract more than 100 guests, they still manage to give you the feeling that you are part of a large family.  The theme of their balls is romance, magic and love. Giulia Russolo designs many beautiful historical dresses and costumes for the occasion, which are handmade. They can be bought or rented for the evening.  Mrs Russolo also can provide you with accessories and masks. 

If you fill out the invitation form, we will forward it to Mrs Russolo.  Please do not wait until the last moment. Not only because the invitation lists fill up quickly, but also because you want to have a choice of historical costumes. You can also bring your own costumes and masks. Mrs Russolo will inform you on the details of the dress code.

An alternative for renting  a period costume is to attend the Grand Ball or The Ball of Dreams in one of the side salons or after 23:30 h.  At the after party you are welcome in evening dress with mask  (long dress/black tie). You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful costumes of the people who attended the ball. The after parties consist of dancing (modern, DJ) and drinking. There usually are no shows. But the beautiful costumes are a show in itself.

I like to be invited

On your way to a Venetian Ball

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The best balls are in one of the beautiful historical palazzo's

Events during Carnival in Venice

​Carnival in Venice takes more than two weeks. It usually starts late January or early February. Everywhere around town you will see people in historical or masked costumes.  The story of the 'Carnevale di Venezia' is interesting to read.

There are several events, like water shows on the Grand Canal, the Feste delle Marie, the Flight of The Angel from the bell tower and the Svolo del Leon.  We also have some other suggestions to enjoy your time in Venice. You will find all events on Venezia's event list.  
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There are also many musical events, like special performances at La Fenice, the Venetian Opera house. Visiting one of the Grand Balls in this period is a romantic and  magical experience. 

In this period hotel prices are high and you have to book as early as possible. You can find some recommendations on our page with romantic hotels.  For 2024 the Russolo Family has chosen the beautiful Palazzo  Ca'Zen ai Friari as venue for both Masquerade Balls.

Tips for Romantic Hotels

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