Venice Carnival 2027 runs from 23 January to 9 February, with the official main programme concentrated in the final ten days from 30 January through Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso) on 9 February. For travellers planning a trip to northern Italy in late winter, this is the most visually spectacular event in the Italian calendar — a city transformed into a living theatre of masks, costumes, and crowds.
Key Dates for 2027
- 23 January: Pre-carnival events begin across the city
- 30 January: Official opening with the Volo dell’Angelo (Flight of the Angel) from the campanile of St Mark’s Basilica
- 30 January – 9 February: Full carnival programme with daily events
- 9 February (Martedì Grasso / Shrove Tuesday): Final night, culminating in the burning of the symbolic effigy at midnight
The Flight of the Angel
The opening ceremony’s centrepiece is the Volo dell’Angelo, in which a costumed performer descends by wire from the top of St Mark’s Campanile to the Doge’s Palace below. The square fills with tens of thousands of people for the midday event — arrive by 10:30 at the latest to secure a clear view. A second descent, the Volo dell’Aquila (Flight of the Eagle), takes place later in the programme on a date confirmed closer to the event.
Masks and Costumes
Wearing a mask or full period costume is entirely optional for visitors, but a large percentage of attendees in the final days do dress up. The most traditional costumes are those of the Bauta (a full-face white mask with a cloak), the Moretta (a small oval black velvet mask worn by women), and the Colombina (a half-mask decorated with feathers and jewels). Costume hire is available throughout the city, though the better workshops are booked well in advance for Carnival week.
Workshops run by Venetian craftspeople — particularly the historic mask-making studios in San Polo and Dorsoduro — often offer costume fitting and photo sessions during Carnival for a fee. These experiences sell out early.
Where to Watch and Be Part of It
St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is the official carnival hub. Most of the programmed events and costume competitions take place here. Expect extremely dense crowds, especially in the final three days.
Campo San Polo and Campo Santa Margherita host quieter community events, costume parades, and live music throughout the two-week period — a more manageable alternative to the main square.
The Grand Canal sees ceremonial boat processions on several days during the main programme. Watching from the Rialto Bridge or the Fondamenta della Misericordia gives good views with less pressure than the main square.
Accommodation and Planning
Venice during Carnival is among the most expensive and competitive hotel markets in Italy. Rooms in the city — particularly in Cannaregio, San Marco, and Dorsoduro — sell out months in advance for the final week. Booking now for the 30 January to 9 February period is not premature.
Visitors on a tighter budget frequently base in Mestre (the mainland suburb), Padua, or Verona and commute by train. The Venice Santa Lucia train station is served by frequent Trenitalia and Italo services, and the 25-minute journey from Padua or 75-minute run from Verona are straightforward even with crowds.
For Venice tours and experiences during Carnival — gondola rides, mask-making workshops, and private palace tours — book well in advance. Gondola prices increase significantly during Carnival week, and guided walking tours sell out fast during the final weekend.
Practical Notes
- Day entry fee: Venice operates a day-tripper entry fee for peak periods, which typically applies to weekends during Carnival. Check the official Comune di Venezia website for 2027 booking requirements — day-trip visitors will likely need a reservation.
- Crowds: The final Saturday and Sunday of Carnival (7–8 February 2027) are the busiest days of the year in Venice. If you plan to be there for those days, arrive early and be prepared for very slow movement around St Mark’s Square.
- Weather: Late January and early February in Venice is cold — typically 2–8°C — and often foggy. The fog (acqua alta season is largely over by this point but still possible) adds atmosphere but brings practical challenges. Dress in layers.
For everything else to plan around a Venice trip, our Venice city guide covers transport, neighbourhoods, and the best things to do beyond the festival. To combine Carnival with the wider Veneto region, our Italy itineraries include suggestions for adding Padua, Vicenza, or the Dolomites.