A water parade as a symbolic opening
Carnival begins with the traditional Festa Veneziana, a spectacular water parade on the Grand Canal. Boats decorated with lights and colours create an unforgettable atmosphere. The evening continues with a light show and musical performances that introduce this year's main Carnival theme.
Historical traditions at every turn
One of the most important events is the Festa delle Marie, which recalls the historical story of the kidnapping and subsequent rescue of the Venetian girls by pirates. According to legend, every year on 2 February, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, twelve poor Venetian girls received a rich dowry for their wedding. These girls were chosen from Venetian families and received jewels, precious cloth and other gifts from the city during the ceremony. One year, however, during a celebration in the church of San Pietro di Castello, pirates from Istria raided the town. They kidnapped all twelve brides and their treasures. The Venetians immediately rallied, pursued the pirates, and eventually rescued all the brides. This event became a symbol of the courage and solidarity of the Venetians, and so a tradition was born that has developed over the centuries into one of the main events of the Carnival.
Today, the Festa delle Marie is more of a symbolic event that starts with a spectacular parade through the city. Twelve young girls, the so-called "Marias", are chosen a few weeks before the Carnival and are presented to the public during the festivities. The girls are dressed in magnificent historical costumes and take part in a procession that leads from the San Pietro di Castello area through the main canals of Venice to St Mark's Square.
This festive procession takes place in the streets of the city and ends with the coronation of the 'Mary of the Year'. This tradition is one of the oldest parts of the Carnival and shows the rich cultural heritage of Venice.
Another iconic part of the carnival are the masks and elaborate costumes that have made Venice famous around the world. Everyone who attends can show their creativity and take part in competitions for the best mask.
Evening entertainment in the historic palaces
For those who want to experience the luxurious atmosphere of Carnival, there are formal dinners and shows. These events take place in Venetian palaces and combine exceptional gastronomic experiences with musical and dance performances. Visitors can immerse themselves in the time of Giacomo Casanova and spend an evening in the spirit of Venetian history.
Street performances and shows on the water
For the general public, there are a number of street performances involving acrobats, musicians and dancers. Venice's many squares and corners are home to colourful performances suitable for all ages.
One of the highlights is the water show at the Arsenale, which is a nightly performance combining light effects, music and dancing on the water. The Arsenale, the historic heart of Venice's maritime power, is the perfect venue for this spectacle.
A taste of Venice - Carnival specialities
Carnival is not only about visual experiences, but also about tastes. Venetian pastry shops and bakeries offer traditional sweets such as fritole (fried balls with raisins and pine nuts) and galani (thin fried slices sprinkled with sugar). These treats are an integral part of the festivities and symbolise the joy of the Carnival season.