by Planning a trip to Venice this Carnevale di Venezia 2023? You’re in for a treat! Carnevale di Venezia is an annual celebration held in the magical city of Venice, Italy. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the dates, history, and events of this exciting festival. Don’t forget to plan out Venice luggage storage options so you can safely store your luggage to allow you worry-free time to enjoy the festivities. Get ready to experience one of the most spectacular festivals in the world!
KEY POINTS
What is Carnevale di Venezia?
Carnevale di Venezia is an annual event that celebrates the end of winter and the start of spring in Venice, Italy. It is one of the most famous festivals in the world, taking place in the city of canals from mid-February to mid-March. Carnevale typically culminates with a grand masked ball at midnight on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
During Carnevale, Venetians and visitors alike wear extravagant costumes, masks, and makeup, as well as take part in lively parades and events throughout the city. It is a time of revelry and excitement that people look forward to all year long.
When is Carnevale di Venezia?
Carnevale di Venezia festivities begin 10 days before Ash Wednesday and conclude on the day of Shrove Tuesday, which marks the day before Ash Wednesday. In 2023, Carnevale di Venezia begins on Saturday, February 4th, and ends on Tuesday, February 21st.
The exact dates for Carnevale di Venezia can vary from year to year depending on when Easter Sunday falls. However, if Easter Sunday falls late in the calendar year, then Carnevale can sometimes begin as early as February 7th or last until the middle or end of March.
The History of Carnevale di Venezia
Carnevale di Venezia, also referred to as the Venice Carnival, is an annual celebration in Venice, Italy that has been celebrated for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was believed to bring good luck and ward off bad omens. The first official document recording the celebration dates back to 1094, although it is likely that it had been celebrated before this.
The festival evolved throughout the years and by the 16th century, it had become one of the most important celebrations in Italy. It was the perfect opportunity for revelers to escape the strict moral codes of the time and indulge in lavish displays of costumes and parties. The festival also featured elaborate floats, theatrical performances, and a variety of festivities, including mask-making competitions and feasts.
Throughout its history, Carnevale di Venezia has featured a variety of traditions, such as the symbolic burning of an effigy of a man in a boat at the end of the festival. This ritual symbolizes the purification of the city, as well as a new start for the year ahead. Another popular tradition is the competition for best costume and mask, which is held annually. A panel of judges chooses the best-dressed participants, who are awarded prizes at a ceremony known as the “Flight of the Dove.”
Today, Carnevale di Venezia continues to be one of the world’s most famous carnivals, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe every year. With its beautiful scenery and unique history, it is easy to see why Venice Carnival remains one of Italy’s most beloved festivals.
Carnevale di Venezia Events
Carnevale di Venezia is a vibrant celebration of color and pageantry and each year, the city puts on a fantastic array of events for locals and tourists alike. Here is a list of some of the most popular events taking place at Carnevale di Venezia:
- La Sfilata delle Marie: This parade is the show-stopping event of the festival where 12 “Marie” (young ladies) dressed in stunning Venetian costumes are driven through the city in horse-drawn carriages.
- La Festa dei Crociferi: One of the oldest events of Carnevale, this celebration honors the famous guild of doorkeepers. Crociferi (doorkeepers) parade through the streets with their keys, torches, and lances in hand.
- La Battaglia dei Fiori: Translated as “The Battle of Flowers,” this event takes place in St. Mark’s Square and involves locals and tourists throwing flower petals at one another.
- La Regata dei Rioni: As one of the most thrilling events of Carnevale, teams from different districts row boats decorated with bright flags in a race across Venice’s Grand Canal.
- La Festa delle Marie: Taking place on the last day of Carnevale, this event features the 12 Maries dressed in their spectacular costumes and parading through Venice’s most important squares.
Conclusion
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Venice during Carnevale di Venezia, you are in for an unforgettable experience. You will want to go back year after year to partake in the festivities.
