FAQ Carnival Venice 2026, 2027, 2028: venice carnival balls, venetian costumes and masks, carnival events and practicalities

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Private Masquerade Balls

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What happens during a Venetian Masquerade Ball?

The Masquerade Carnival Balls have an almost equal set-up: appetizers, seated diner with entertainment acts within the theme of the evening (usually reflecting back on the renaissance period: magicians, acrobats, opera and music) followed by an afterparty with DJ and modern music or period dances. During dinner you are seated at tables of 8 to 10 people. Period costumes are mandatory. The venue is usually one of the romantic Venetian Palazzo’s. The formal balls start around 20:00 h. Around 23:00 h. guests for the after party arrive and dancing starts. Read more.

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What is the entry price of a Venetian Masquerade Ball?

The prices range from around €300 to more than €5000 per person. If you want to include a costume, you have to count on an extra €400 to €800, depending on its luxuriousness. The most exclusive ball is the Doge's Ball on the last Saturday of the Carnival. The shows during this ball are spectacular. Back row seats in the Main Salon usually start around €2500 per person. The Ball of Dreams and Grand Ball Carnival in Love in Pallazo Ca’Zen ai Frari are average priced, starting around €700. Fill in the request form to ask an invitation. An interesting extra moment to show your costume is the Glass Slippers Ball on the Friday of the last weekend of Carnival. It is on the island of Murano. Not in a Palazzo, but in an old Cathedral that has been turned into a Glass Blowing Art Center. It is price wise attractive. Murano is just 15 minutes by waterbus.

Ask an invitation for the Russolo Family's Balls

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What is included in an After Party of a Venetian Masquerade Ball?

The after dinner parties allow you to experience the atmosphere of a Masquerade Carnival Ball and admire the beautiful historical costumes. Usually around 23:00 h the guest have finished their dinner and come down to the dancing room. Often a DJ plays modern music, sometimes there is minuet dancing. Do not expect other entertainment. Usually you are allowed to attend in black tie/gala with masks. You can drink, dance and amuse yourself until far beyond midnight. Sometimes an open bar is included, sometimes a limited amount of drinks.

Costumes and Masks

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Why do people dress like Renaissance aristocrats during Carnival in Venice?

During the Venetian Renaissance the Compagnie della Calza, a group of young noblemen, organized theatrical performances, private balls, serenades, regatta’s, fireworks and processions on the water to welcome their aristocratic guests. The events that are organized now, resemble those old traditions. In the 18th century the Carnival of Venice had turned into an event that was attended by aristocrats from all over Europe. More on the story of Carnival in Venice.

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Why do people wear traditional masks during Carnival in Venice?

Halfway the 17th century people started wearing masks. It allowed them to do things that were not openly possible. Masks had a purpose and a meaning, like the traditional Bauta which allowed aristocrats to look more common, or the gagna worn by cross-dressing men. Who wore a mask played a role and could not be arrested. The masks worn now, are based on that tradition.

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Where can I buy a mask for Carnival in Venice?

You can buy masks all over Venice, but also order one online from home. What is important, is that you choose a papier-maché mask. It will adjust itself to your face, making wearing it a lot more comfortable. It is very important that you can breath well and can eat and drink with the mask on. A large nose may look interesting, but if it is in the way while sipping prosecco, you will not keep it on long. If you rent a costume, a mask is not included for hygienic reasons.

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What do Venetian masks symbolize?

The Venetian masks used to be a symbol of freedom. It allowed the wearers to do things that were not acceptable in real life, like dating people from another social class or of the same gender. They were eg. also worn during gambling. Specific masks also have an individual meaning.

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What are the ten iconic styles for costumes during Carnival in Venice?

Attending the Venice Carnival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of elegance, history, and artistry. Choosing the right costume can make your experience unforgettable. Here are ten costume ideas that blend traditional charm with modern flair, along with tips on where to rent or purchase them in Venice.

𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘕𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺: emulate the opulence of 18th-century Venetian aristocracy with lavish gowns or tailored suits adorned with lace, brocade, and intricate embroidery. These costumes reflect the grandeur of Venice's golden age and are perfect for formal balls.
𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢: channel the charisma of Giacomo Casanova with a classic gentleman's ensemble featuring a long coat, waistcoat, breeches, and a tricorn hat. This look exudes timeless elegance and is ideal for those inspired by Venice's romantic history.
𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘯 (𝘈𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘰): inspired by the Commedia dell'Arte, the Harlequin costume is characterized by its colorful diamond patterns and playful design. Pair it with a simple black mask to capture the mischievous spirit of this traditional character.
𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘢𝘯: opt for a courtesan costume featuring a fitted bodice, flowing skirts, and rich fabrics like velvet or silk. Adornments such as feathers, jewels, and lace add to the allure, making it a captivating choice for evening events.
𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘦: for couples, coordinating Baroque-era costumes with elaborate details like corsets, embroidered jackets, and powdered wigs create a harmonious and striking appearance, perfect for making a grand entrance at any event.
𝘈𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴: embrace a celestial theme with flowing gowns in white or pastel hues, complemented by delicate wings or a halo. This ethereal look adds a touch of fantasy to the festivities.
𝘋𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘰: the Domino costume, consisting of a simple cloak and mask, offers an air of mystery and simplicity. Traditionally black, it allows for anonymity while maintaining elegance.
𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵: reflect Venice's rich trading history with a merchant costume featuring practical yet stylish attire, such as a tunic, breeches, and a cap. This choice offers comfort and a nod to the city's mercantile past.
𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘢: the Colombina costume, named after a Commedia dell'Arte character, includes a half-mask often adorned with feathers and jewels. It's a feminine and flirtatious option that allows for expressive makeup and hairstyles.
𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯: combine traditional elements with imaginative twists to create a unique fantasy costume. Think of mythical creatures or abstract concepts brought to life with Venetian flair.

For a Venetian Carnival Ball, guests typically choose simpler costumes that offer both elegance and comfort, allowing them to eat, dance, and enjoy the festivities with ease.

Carnival in Venice: the event

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Is Carnival in Venice a religious event?

Carnival is associated with the ten days leading up to Lent and thus seems basically religious. The history of the Carnival of Venice tells us a different story though. The event started almost 1000 years ago as a combination of a religious event and a celebration of Venice’s victories over foes. The carnival gave the freedom to eat and drink in enormous amounts, wear a mask, and do things that would not be allowed in ordinary life. Nowadays it is public event.

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How is Carnival in Venice celebrated?

Many people prefer to stay in the city centre, especially in the San Marco area. That is where will find the most ‘masks’, people in the most intriguing costumes wearing full face masks. The streets in the centre are very crowded and you should reserve well in advance if you stay there. If you like to stay in a quieter area you can opt for the east side of Castello, Dorsoduro or the islands Giudecca and Murano. The waterbuses make the islands quickly and easily accessible.

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What is so special about Carnival of Venice?

The atmosphere, the masks, the gorgeous costumes, the historical background, the combination of history, art and hedonism, the winter sun shining over the lagoon, the many activities. What is not special about Carnival in Venice?

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What are the activities at the Venice Carnival?

For many people searching for and photographing the ‘masks’ against the background of the magnificent Venetian buildings is a not to be missed activity. Some dress up themselves, and let themselves be admired. There are also many public carnival events. Besides that normal life goes on: you can visit the San Marco Basilica, the many musea (do not forget modern art), go shopping and enjoy a bit of winter sun on one of the terraces around town. Café Florian on the Piazza San Marco is also not to be missed: it is a meeting place for many of the best dressed carnival lovers.

In the evening some people visit one of the private Masquerade Carnival Balls. Also a ‘pub crawl’, eating cicchetti (typical Venetian finger food) and drinking wine, prosecco or the lovely Venetian cocktails is a popular pastime.

The real Carnival lovers combine different balls and events and wear their costumes as much possible. They eg. go to an after party on Friday, a main ball on Saturday and a ‘chocolate party’ in the afternoon on Sunday. Chocolate parties usually combine drinking chocolate and tasting the typical Venetian carnival sweets ( a kind of donuts without a hole) with a demonstration of menuetto dancing. A visit to the famous theatre “La Fenice” is a lovely extra if you like opera music.

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What are the most important events of the Venice Carnival?

• Sunday of the pre-carnival week: La Festa Veneziana sull'acqua on the Canal Grande
• Every day starting on the Friday of the first official carnival week: Water Show in the Arsenale.
• Saturday afternoon of the first official carnival week: Feste delle Marie, a procession beginning at San Pietro di Castello and ending at Piazza San Marco.
• Saturday evening of the first official carnival week: The Ball of Dreams
• Sunday afternoon of the first official carnival week on Piazza San Marco: The Flight of the Angel on Piazza San Marco (has been cancelled for several years due to renovation works)
• Friday before the last weekend of carnival: The Glass Slippers Ball on Murano
• Saturday in the last weekend of carnival: “Il Ballo del Doge” and “Grand Ball Carnival in Love”
• Sunday in the last weekend of carnival: The Flight of the Eagle on Piazza San Marco (has been cancelled for several years due to renovation works)
• Tuesday, the last day of carnival: Flight of the Lion (has been cancelled for some years) and final contest of the most beautiful mask on Piazza San Marco

An itinerary for four days in Venice

Practical questions

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When is Carnival in Venice in 2026, 2027 and 2028?

The “Carnevale di Venezia” starts with a pre-carnival week. The reason for the extra week is to spread the visitors. The official Carnival dates are:

2026: 7 to 17 February
2027: 30 January to 9 February
2028: 19 to 29 February

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What is the best area to stay during Carnival in Venice?

Carnival in Venice finds its inspiration in the traditional and modern day arts and the Renaissance period. There are many public events, like the Flight of the Angel, the daily Costume Parade on San Marco Square, the Venetian Water Festival and people enjoy refined entertainment, like the Vivaldi Concert in the Salone Capitolare by I Musici Veneziani or one of the private Masquerade Balls. Though you may encounter young people singing and drinking in the local bars, that is not a standard pastime.

Romantic hotels in Venice

Romantic suites in Venice

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What should I wear during Carnival in Venice?

The standards for carnival costumes in Venice are high. If you walk around in a carnival costume in Northern European style (eg. as a farmer, nun or nurse) you will probably not feel comfortable. People usually dress in Renaissance or Baroque style or go for fantasy/cosplay. They put a lot of effort in their costumes. For the Masquerade Carnival Balls there are usually very strict dress codes: historical costume with mask. Most organizers allow people to visit the after party in black tie/gala dress with masks.

Most visitors of Venice do not dress up at all. They may wear a Venetian tricorn or a mask, but they leave it at that. Better no costume than underdressed.

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How crowded is Venice during Carnival?

Venice is extremely crowded during Carnival. That is something to take into consideration. You can choose to stay in a less busy area and walk or take a water bus (vaparetto) to reach your destinations. In Venice City everything is at walking distance.

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What is the best week to visit the Venetian Carnival?

Many visitors prefer to be in Venice on the ‘main weekend’ of Carnival, a couple of days before the event ends. In that weekend there are the most ‘masks’, people from all over the world who are dressed in extravagant and intriguing costumes with full face masks. You can find them at the Piazza San Marco, but also near attractions in other parts of the city. Photographing them (or being photographed if you wear a costume) is one of the great joys of the Carnival in Venice. The disadvantage of this period is that the streets are crowded and the hotel prices are high.

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Is Carnival in Venice wheelchair accessible?

Venice is one of the least accessible European cities. The wobbly streets and many bridges make getting through Venice a huge challenge for anyone using wheels. One of the most important obstacles is crossing the canals and especially using Rialto Bridge. Due to the many canals and unpredictable routes visitors have to take, it is almost impossible not to be surprised by steep bridges. If you want to give it a try, the best option is to use the vaporetto (water bus) as much as possible or if you can afford it, a water taxi. We have a short list of hotels that say they have rooms with facilities and that have unobstructed access to a vaporetto stop. Contact us if you like us to send that list.

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Where is Palazzo Ca'Zen ai Frari?

You can find the address and map of Palazzo Ca'Zen ai Frari here. The Palazzo is also called Palazzo Zen.

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Where do I exchange the order number from Sogno Veneziano Atelier for my entrance ticket?

Here you can find the details on Sogno Veneziano Atelier.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Carnival in Venice