Venice Carnival 2026: Dates, Program, and All the Highlights.

The magic begins: 16 days of a state of emergency
The Venice Carnival is much more than just a festival—it's a journey back in time. Exactly 16 days For a long time, the lagoon city has been transformed into a stage for masks, costumes, and traditions. Every year, the spectacle has a special theme Motto, which serves as the central theme for the official parades and events. From the grand opening on the canals to the grand finale on Shrove Tuesday, Venice offers a program that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

A Spectacle for Visitors?

At the very back of the market square, as if to avoid drawing attention, a stage is set up every year during Carnival season. And if you look closely, you’ll also see the theme. Coinciding with Carnival, the Olympic Games are taking place in Italy—in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. So it makes perfect sense, in the national interest, to choose this theme.

The music and spoken-word spectacle is loud. Way too loud. But hardly anyone is listening. A handful of passersby who happen to walk by stop for a few moments. That’s all. No crowds, no interest. If it weren’t so loud, no one would even notice it. After all, no one comes to Venice just for this stage or the singing and magic tricks performed here in the afternoon.

Carnival 2026: Date and Duration

The most common question we get asked at Venedig.com is about the exact date of Carnival. The answer is simple: Carnival always takes place on the same dates around the world—whether in Rio, Mainz, Cologne, or Venice. Rose Monday and Shrove Tuesday always fall on the same days worldwide.

What makes the Venice Carnival special, however, is its duration. It doesn't start as early as November 11 of the previous year. Instead, the Carnival here in Venice begins 14 days before the actual Carnival weekend.

Arsenals

Courtesy of: This image is by Christoph Thür – Venice Magazine

Among the few official events during Carnival season are special performances at the Arsenale in Venice. For more information, please visit the official website: https://carnevale.venezia.it/en/arsenale-water-show/

Infobox: 2026 Carnival in Venice

Date: January 31, 2026, through February 17, 2026
Highlights: The „Volo dell’Angelo“ (Flight of the Angel), the Festa Veneziana sull’acqua, and the Parade of the Virgin Marys.
Major cities: St. Mark's Square, the Arsenale, and the city districts (sestieri).
Official website: https://carnevale.venezia.it/en/
Motto: Olympus – The Origins of the Game.