Recently updated on July 12th, 2022 at 01:36 pm
Almost three million people flock to the Venice Carnival – ‘Carnevale di Venezia’ – every February. Reeled in by the past traditions, it is the ultimate binge of the senses in the period running up to Christian Lent. The time to disguise yourself with a Venetian mask, feast like past Kings and Queens and dance until your legs ache. But how did we get here? Sit back and discover the fascinating history of the Venice Carnival.
What’s the Venice Carnival story, and when is it?
Venice Carnival occurs every February and lasts for roughly 10 days, ending Shrove Tuesday, before Ash Wednesday (Lent) begins. Tourists touch down in Venice as locals spill out of their homes to flood Venice’s idyllic squares and winding streets with a blaze of dancing, music, sensual smells and colourful costumes. Call it ‘Carnival Fever.’ Local engravings reveal the history of the Venice Carnival – the first event happened in 1094, but it was not officially recognised until 1296. At this time, people partied for up to 40 days before Shrove Tuesday! Not a bad effort, we must admit.
GET INSPIRED BY: Tour Italy with Trafalgar
History of the Venice Carnival: meet the masks
Dating back to the 13th century, the Venice Carnival story includes the identity-concealing masks that enable people from all walks of life to mingle. And epitomise the elegance and mystery of the Venice Carnival atmosphere fittingly. Call it the magic of the mask, in past years peasants seduced married noblewoman. Today, the sense of community and magical atmosphere remains strong. Dancing, drinking, and debauchery are optional, but preferred.
CONTENT: Insider’s guide to Venice
The Venice Carnival story: a victory celebration
Venice Carnival’s roots are still exactly what it is today – a celebration. It’s believed that when the Venetian Republic conquered the ancient Roman city Aquileai in 1162, they sung and danced around San Marco Square in Venice. The celebration was so large that it gave the festival its name!
RELATED CONTENT: 5 fantastic ways to enjoy Venice without stepping in a Venetian lagoon
An indulgent paradise for aristocrats in the 18th century
Venice Carnival became a tourist hub in the 18th century; when aristocrats from across Europe flocked to Venice to participate in indulgent feasts and lavish parties. It was not to be missed!
GET INSPIRED BY: Go on a Best of Italy tour with Trafalgar
“Stop dancing!” Venice Carnival banned in 1797
The history of the Venice Carnival is not all about good times. Sadly the Carnival was banned after Napoleon conquered the Serenissima Republic in 1797, meaning Venice was no longer independent. Holy Roman Emperor Francis 11 banned masks, and with that, the spirit of the Carnival died. This was to prevent citizens uniting to conspire against the government. Venice became Lombardy-Venetia (held by Austria) and unique traditions came to a standstill for the next 200 years.
1979 – the Venice Carnival Revival
After a long period of war and instability, Venetian government returned and re-instated the historic Venice Carnival. Keeping the masked tradition and creating a tourist hotbed no true explorer can resist – and that ranks highly on all bucket lists.
RELATED CONTENT: 7 of the most romantic experiences you can have on a Trafalgar tour
The Carnival lives on! Visit in February 2022
Today Venice Carnival is one of the grandest celebrations in Italy. The magic remains. Although dressing up is not compulsory, all travellers will want to taste the traditions.
Expect to see swaying 17th and 18th century Venetian dresses on show, clowns and theatre characters, as well as others adorned with jewels and/or feathers. The maschera più bella (“the most beautiful mask”) competition remains. So do not hold back when picking out your perfect mask from one of the many stalls dotted around the town. 12 February 2022 is the date for your calendars.
The Venice Carnival runs from 12 February 2022 to Tuesday 1 March 2022. Tell us what aspect of it excites you the most?