How to attend the 2020 Venice Carnival?

The Venice Carnival takes place from February 15 to 25, 2020. We tell you how to take part and everything you need to know about this unique event!

Every February, the famous Venice Carnival takes place in Venice. It’s one of the most festive, incredible, colorful and whimsical events in the world. Going to Venice during Carnival is an excellent opportunity to discover the City of the Doges from a different angle, to watch the city and its inhabitants transform over 10 full days. But what do we know about Carnival in Venice? Here are a few more details that will make you want to wear a mask and cape under the Bridge of Sighs. All the info on Venice Carnival 2020!

A little history

Carnevale di Venezia dates back to the beginning of the 10th century, when people took advantage of the last days before Lent to enjoy themselves and make the most of the pleasures and joys of the Serenissima.

During these few days of festivity and total relaxation, people were allowed to wear masks, so nobles fraternized with commoners by donning disguises and other tricks.

Photo credit: Wikimedia – wanblee

Today, Venice’s carnival attracts visitors from all over the world: in Venice, it’s impossible to rent accommodation as everything is booked months in advance. Rates soar and it’s a race to find a place to stay. The alleys are saturated with walkers, and it’s not uncommon to encounter traffic jams at the vaporetti and on the various bridges.

Masks

It’s impossible to talk about Carnival in Venice without mentioning the famous masks. For as long as Carnival lasted, it was legal to wear a mask, and everyone met regardless of each other’s « social attire ». Carnival in Venice was a way of life, a state of mind. Today, things are more conventional, but the festive spirit is still present.

The masks most often used, then as now, are mainly derived from Commedia dell’arte (Italian popular theater): Harlequin, Pantalon, Polichinelle, Brighella, Colombine or Scaramouche and Pierrot. Here are some addresses where you can buy masks (follow the link).

What to do during Carnival in Venice

If you’re lucky enough to be able to take part in the Venice Carnival, don’t hesitate to attend the various parades and fanfares that criss-cross the city’s streets and alleys. Venice is already a magical city the rest of the year, but during Carnival it’s decked out in all its finery, so make the most of it and take in the sights.

The atmosphere is completely insane: you’ll feel like you’re out of time and space. On site, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Venice in greater depth.

Compare prices for activities at Venice Carnival

Photo credit: Pixabay – SeanJang

Carnival in Venice: how to attend?

To begin with, as Venice’s carnival is extremely famous, the crowds of curious onlookers are impressive, and it’s not always easy to find a place. It’s advisable to book your accommodation at least six months in advance, or go directly to a travel agency that will take care of your entire stay.

The advantage of travel agencies is that they usually offer a tour as well as carnival participation.

The other important point, of course, is to get yourself a proper costume: if you’re a talented dressmaker or creative, you can of course make your own, inspired by Commedia dell’Arte models.

Alternatively, you can buy one by mail order, or visit one of the workshops a few days in advance: the « Flavia » workshop, the « Ca del Sol » workshop, the « Marega » workshop or the « Antonia Sautter » workshop near Piazza San Marco are the most famous and renowned.

Photo credit: Flickr – Giorgio Minguzzi

Local transport

To attend the Venice Carnival, there’s also the question of transportation to consider. There are several options:

Getting to Venice: Venice’s airport is Marco Polo Airport, about 10 km north of the Doge’s City. Flying is the fastest way to get to Venice. You can find cheap flights on our partner website Skyscanner. From the airport, you can take shuttle buses such as the Alilaguna boats (which serve several points in the city and the islands).

Once you’ve landed in Venice, there are a number of ways to get around the city:

Bus: there are connections between the airport and Piazzale Roma, at the northern entrance to Venice. You can also take ACTV’s Aerobus line 5 or ATVO’s line 35 (6 euros on average for a 20-minute journey).

Motoscafi: the traditional water cab that runs between the airport and Venice and its islands.

By train: Santa Lucia station is located to the north of Venice, from where you can reach the city center by vaporetto or on foot.

By car: Venice is well served by the road network, but the heart of the city is not accessible by car, so leave your car outside the city.

The best way to get around Venice, especially during Carnival, is by foot, and for longer journeys by vaporetto. Don’t forget to take a good map of Venice with you, so you don’t have to retrace your steps or get lost in the maze of alleyways.

Most of the carnival takes place in St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy a cappuccino at one of the piazza’s cafés, but also visit the surrounding area, such as the Doge’s Palace or the Campanile, to get a bird’s eye view of the festivities.

Note that many balls and private receptions are organized in the various palaces. Let yourself be carried away by the enthusiasm, the madness, the fervor, the jubilation, admire the wonderful costumes, greet the masked characters strolling through the city and join St. Mark’s Square for a beautiful and emotional finish.

Where to stay in Venice during Carnival?

If you want to book accommodation in Venice during the carnival season, you’ll need to do so several weeks or even months in advance. In fact, hotels, hostels and apartments are packed with Italian and foreign tourists. To find out where to stay, read our article on where to stay in Venice.

Main photo credit: Flickr – Frank Kovalchek