Phylicia StitzelReady to embark on a journey to one of the most enchanting celebrations on this planet? Hold onto your hats (or should I say masks?), because we are about to dive headfirst into the vibrant world with the insider’s guide to the Venetian Carnival!
Are you ready for an interesting fact that will blow your mind? š¤Æ Back in the day, the Venetian Carnival used to last for a mind-boggling two months! Yep, that’s right! Two whole months of non-stop revelry, jaw-dropping costumes, and enough glitter to make even the sparkliest unicorn jealous! But don’t worry, my friend, I’ve got a comprehensive guide right here to help you navigate through this whirlwind of magic and mayhem!
Hey, my travel-savvy buddy! š“āØ Before I spill the beans on all this incredible free info, I’ve got a little favor to ask! šš¤© How about using my affiliate links below to book your trip? It costs you absolutely nothing, and it gives my blog a little āØboostāØ to keep the adventure train chugging along! š So, why not help a friend out, have an incredible trip, and keep the good vibes flowing?š Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Table of Contents
History of the Venetian Carnival
Let’s step into the time machine and unravel the origins of this legendary celebration. From its humble beginnings as a time for locals to let loose before the fasting season, to becoming a world-famous spectacle that attracts millions of visitors, we’ll take you through the Carnival’s evolution like a carnival parade on steroids! š
ā Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the fascinating traditions and significant events that have shaped the Venetian Carnival into the cultural masterpiece it is today!
Dressing for the Carnival
Ah, the masks and costumes that make the Venetian Carnival an otherworldly experience! We’ll spill the tea on the significance behind these extraordinary disguises and guide you in selecting the perfect mask or costume that will make you feel like the belle or beau of the ball! šš¤µ
š Pro tip: Get ready to unleash your inner fashionista and immerse yourself in the world of intricate designs, dazzling colors, and feathers that can make even a flamingo jealous!
Participating in Carnival Activities
Get ready to be swept away by a whirlwind of activities and events! From elegant, masked balls and canal parades to breathtaking fireworks and impromptu street performances, we’ve got the insider scoop on how to soak up every magical moment of the Venetian Carnival! šš
š” Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to join in the fun! Dance like nobody’s watching, mingle with fellow carnival-goers, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Food and Drink at the Carnival
š½ļøš¹ Let’s talk about satisfying those culinary cravings while indulging in the Venetian Carnival experience! We’ll tantalize your taste buds with traditional delights like fritelle (fried pastries) and cicchetti (Venetian tapas) while pointing you towards the most delicious spots to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst! š¤¤š·
Italy is renowned for its food, and Venice is no exception to that rule. My husband, who doesn’t usually drink wine, knew that the food in Italy was worth pairing the wine with and gave up his usual gin and tonic (that and the wine was cheaper too) and indulged in all of the delicious Venetian food!
š½ļø Pro tip: Take a break from the festivities and treat yourself to some mouthwatering Venetian cuisine. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! And try to get off of main “roads” too, the restaurants off of the main tourist areas are better priced too.
Going with Kids?
The most stressful aspect of my trip to Venice during Carnival was the weekends and crossing over the bridges. Sounds strange, but BECAUSE there are so many people crossing at once and many in costumes, OR people are p posing in costumes on the bridges, it created huge bottlenecks. Because my daughter was below eye level, I had to be more vigilant about her and our surroundings to ensure she wasn’t trampled. Outside of the bridges, I didn’t have many concerns regarding my daughter while at Carnival. She LOVED all the costumes, with bright colors and accessories. I am sure your children will also love this experience.
Weekends vs. Weekdays:
We stayed in Venice for five days, and this was perfect! We enjoyed a full weekend in the city, packed with Carnival attendees from morning to night. Then during the week, the city was almost like a ghost town, and people would dress up at night in their costumes after work. The balance between the two was absolutely perfect!
What to do While You’re In Venice:
Take it all in!!! I would have been happy just wandering around the city and taking it all in, the sights, sounds, smells (yes, good and bad), and of course, eating our way through the city as well. But also don’t miss out on all the Carnival activities! The full schedule can be found here. There are a TON of events throughout the two weeks of Carnival. Also, the city is always brimming with tours and concerts happening as well! I recommend visiting the Church of the PietĆ – Saint Mary of the Visitation and attending a Vivaldi concert there… since Vivaldi once worked in that church. It was a very special experience for me, highly recommend it.
Wine in Venice:
Yes, you read that correctly! There is wine in Venice! On a little hidden island near Saint Mark’s Square, you can hop off the water bus at Venissa! Venice’s only winery that makes Golden Wine! This is an amazing and unique experience that, if you’re a wine lover like myself, you’ll want to schedule a tasting.
