The Venice Carnival attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. It is known for its magnificent masks, elegant costumes, and traditional events, which transform the entire city into a sea of color and a celebration of imagination.
Date: 2027
People all over the world celebrate Carnival on the same date. Carnival Sunday, Rose Monday, Shrove Tuesday, etc., all fall on the same date worldwide.
In 2027, Carnival Sunday will fall on February 7, 2027, worldwide.
Of course, that goes for Venice as well. The 2027 Venice Carnival begins on January 23, 2027, and runs through Tuesday, February 9, 2027.
Highlights
Masks and Costumes: The carnival is famous for its detailed, often elaborately decorated masks. Visitors and locals alike wear magnificent costumes, many of which are modeled after the historical style of the Venetian aristocracy.
Masquerade Ball
The exclusive masquerade balls held in historic palaces are another highlight. The Ballo del Doge at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta, in particular, is a well-known event.
Parades and Street Festivals: There are numerous parades and events on the streets and squares of Venice. The famous Festa delle Marie is a parade in which twelve young women, the „Maries,“ march from Piazza San Pietro to St. Mark’s Square in traditional costumes.
Angel's Flight
The „Volo dell’Angelo“—a spectacular flight by an „angel“ from the Campanile (the bell tower)—is also a fascinating event that marks the beginning of Carnival.
Internet Groups
The vast majority of masks are connected to one another through specific online groups and coordinate with each other. There are established traditions involved:
Opening
Traditionally, Carnival kicks off with a grand, colorful light and water show at the Arsenale.
Tuesdays
Tuesdays are Murano days. Most of the masked people take the vaporetto to Murano every Tuesday and pose there for the photographers.
Thursdays
Starting around 10 a.m., the masked revelers gather on the grand staircase in front of the Church of La Salute. A colorful celebration for the eyes and camera lenses.
Every day
By the lagoon and at St. Mark's Square. That's where all the masks are. And all the visitors. And all the photographers, too.
Sunset
In the evening, the masked figures gather at sunset on the monastery island of San Giorgio. It’s an absolute highlight for photographers. Anyone who’s experienced it once will rave about it for the rest of their life.
In the morning
Early in the morning, even before dawn, the first masks—with colorful LEDs sewn into them—and, of course, the first photographers are already at St. Mark’s Square and along the lagoon. It gives you goosebumps. The early bird catches the worm.
Expert Tip
In the week leading up to the actual Carnival weekend, all the masks are already there, but the crowds of tourists haven't arrived yet. They don't show up until the weekend, when everyone is there.
Angel's Flight
One week before the Carnival weekend, the Flight of the Angel takes place on Sunday. A Venetian woman, secured by a rope, will float down from the Campanile to St. Mark’s Square.
Official website: https://carnevale.venezia.it/en/
“Volo dell’Angelo" (Flight of the Angel)
The „Volo dell’Angelo“ (Flight of the Angel) is one of the most spectacular events of the Venice Carnival and traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of Carnival. During this event, an „angel figure“ (usually a young woman) descends on a rope from the Campanile di San Marco (the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square) to mark the opening of the carnival.
St. Mark's Square
The flight begins at the top of the Campanile di San Marco, the striking bell tower in St. Mark's Square, and ends on a platform that will be set up specifically for the ceremony.
Meaning
The Flight of the Angels symbolizes the official opening of Carnival and is one of the most spectacular and popular events. It is a testament to the connection between Venice’s history and culture, as well as a fascinating spectacle.
The „Angels“
Traditionally, the „Angel“ is chosen by a prominent woman from the previous year’s Carnival, who is dressed in a glittering costume and a special mask. The actress playing the „Angel“ is positioned at the top of the Campanile during a festive ceremony. She is secured by a rope that safely lowers her to the ground as she glides in an elegant, dramatic arc over St. Mark’s Square.
Historical Background
The Volo dell’Angelo dates back to 1539, when the „Turco“ (a sort of „Turkish ambassador“) descended from the top of the Campanile to kick off the carnival with a spectacular performance. The tradition of the Angel’s Flight began in the 18th century and has been performed repeatedly in various forms ever since.
Thursdays: Meet in front of La Salute Church
Among the events that take place regularly every year is a gathering of all the masked figures on the grand staircase in front of the Church of La Salute, as shown here in the photo.
Line 1
From St. Mark's Square, it's just one stop on Vaporetto Line 1.
Word about this event has been spreading for years. Anyone with a camera or a cell phone—and that’s everyone—seems to have to come here. The crowd of masks is a pale comparison to the throng of photographers in front of the stairs.