The Venetian Carnival opened on Sunday along the Grand Canal, drawing a flood of visitors who flocked to the city to witness live performances that run through February 13, as the Catholic calendar marks the approach to Lent. The event is broadcast by RAI News 24, capturing the energy of a celebration that continues to enthrall travelers from all over the world.
For this edition, the focus centers on Marco Polo, the famed Venetian merchant and explorer who died seven centuries ago. Throughout the festival, performances span Venice’s historic squares, notably St. Mark’s Square, and extend to the surrounding islands as well as the Mestre mainland. Thematic threads of Asia, drawn from Polo’s travel narratives, weave through many street performances, concerts, and theatrical productions. The carnival coincides with the Chinese New Year, celebrated from February 2 to 13, adding a cross-cultural layer to the festivities.
The visual spectacle of costumes and masks distinguishes the carnival, lending a kaleidoscope of color to the streets. Veneto hosts workshops where artisans sew period-inspired outfits and craft elaborate masks, offering visitors a tactile glimpse into the artistry behind the tradition. Authentic, full costumes can command thousands of euros, reflecting the care and historical fidelity embedded in the garments. A competition staging the most striking mask is a centerpiece of the event, drawing contestants from across the region. Yet local reporters observe that some participants misinterpret the historical symbolism of the masks, emphasizing the need for respectful engagement with the tradition.
Venice’s Carnival ranks among the oldest in the world, with roots tracing back to the early Middle Ages. During the era when the Most Serene Republic of Venice held sway (from the 7th century to 1797), residents wore masks from October through Fat Tuesday as part of a continuous cycle of public festivity. The revival of Carnival celebrations occurred after a period of suppression under Napoleonic rule in the 19th century, and the event has since rebounded into a modern cultural staple that attracts visitors year after year.
In recent years, the carnival has adapted to changing circumstances. The edition prior to the pandemic unfolded with digital components, and the 2021 edition was held online as a precaution. A subsequent year saw the main attractions proceed, though some performances that had previously drawn large crowds did not resume, reflecting ongoing adjustments to urban restoration projects and safety considerations. The traditional “Flight of the Angel,” a hallmark moment from St. Mark’s Bell Tower, has not yet returned to the stage, pending the completion of the tower’s renovations and the coordination of the broader program. The festival remains a living, evolving spectacle, balancing historical reverence with contemporary creative expression.
As ever, the Venice Carnival offers a multifaceted experience that blends history, art, and community. From grand processions and intimate street theater to workshops that invite audience participation, the event invites visitors to witness how a centuries-old tradition continues to adapt and resonate in the modern cityscape. The atmosphere remains one of shared celebration, curiosity, and a strong sense of place, where every mask tells a story and every square becomes a stage for collective memory. In this spirit, the carnival carries forward the city’s legacy as a center of culture and maritime trade, inviting both locals and guests to partake in a remarkable cultural pilgrimage that blends the past with the present. (Citation: Venice Tourism Authority)