Venice Carnival 2026: official dates, main events and complete guide for visitors
- 6 min read
The Venice Carnival 2026 officially takes place from January 31 to February 17, a period in which the city progressively transforms into a large widespread scenic space. However, due to the articulated duration and the variety of events, the Carnival cannot be experienced as a single appointment. Due to the richness of the program, the event is not limited to a few symbolic days, but develops in a gradual path that accompanies citizens and visitors. In summary, knowing the Venice Carnival means understanding a living tradition that involves every corner of the city.
Venice City Pass all Inclusive 72h
The historical and cultural significance of Carnival
The Venice Carnival was born in the Middle Ages because the city felt the need to create a moment of suspension of the social order before Lent. However, due to the rigid structure of the Serenissima, this freedom was regulated and symbolic. The masks allowed anonymity, but at the same time guaranteed respect for a shared code. This original meaning is still perceptible during the central days of the Carnival, particularly on the weekends between February 6 and 8, 2026, and between February 13 and 15, 2026, when the city is crossed by masks of every origin. In summary, the historical value of the Venice Carnival is not confined to the past, but manifests itself concretely in the social dynamics that the tourist can observe during the most intense days of the festival.
The beginning of the celebrations and the opening atmosphere
The atmosphere of the Venice Carnival begins to be felt as early as Saturday, January 31, 2026, when the city officially enters festive mode. However, due to the gradual nature of the event, the opening is not concentrated in a single moment, but develops over the first weekend. The most representative moment of this initial phase is the Festa Veneziana (Venetian Festival), which takes place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, and sees water as the absolute protagonist. The water parade, composed of traditional boats and rowers in costume, crosses the canals creating a strong visual and emotional impact. In summary, these first dates introduce the visitor to the spirit of the Venice Carnival, offering a smooth transition from daily life to the symbolic dimension of the festival.
The heart of the Carnival between parades and official events
The moment of maximum intensity of the Venice Carnival coincides with the first large central weekend, between Friday 6 and Sunday 8 February 2026. However, due to the high concentration of events, this phase is not limited to single appointments, but involves the entire city. During these days, mask parades, street shows, and artistic performances follow one after another in the main squares and lesser-known campos. The days of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 February are particularly significant because they represent the meeting point between historical tradition and contemporary spectacle. In summary, the heart of the Venice Carnival is the ideal moment for the tourist who wishes to experience the event in its most complete and participatory form.
Venice City Pass all Inclusive 72h
The Festa delle Marie as an identity symbol
The Festa delle Marie (Festival of the Marys) traditionally takes place in the central period of the Carnival and, in 2026, finds its culminating moment on Saturday, February 7, when the twelve protagonists are officially presented to the city. However, due to the structure of the event, the celebration also develops in the following days through processions and public appearances. This historical reenactment tells a medieval legend deeply linked to the Venetian identity. The Maries represent the continuity between past and present, but also embody a collective ideal of rebirth and belonging. In summary, attending the Festa delle Marie during the Venice Carnival allows the tourist to understand the symbolic value of the festival beyond the simple aesthetic aspect.
Evening shows and night entertainment
Starting from the evening of Friday, February 6, 2026, and until the closing of the Carnival, evening events take on a central role in the Venice Carnival program. However, due to the nocturnal atmosphere, these appointments offer a different experience compared to daytime events. Water shows, light games, and artistic performances transform Venetian evenings into highly suggestive moments, especially in the days between February 13 and 16, 2026, when the festival enters its final phase. In summary, night entertainment completes the experience of the Venice Carnival, offering the visitor a continuous narrative that develops even after sunset.
The grand finale and the meaning of the closing
The conclusion of the Venice Carnival occurs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a day known as Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso), which officially marks the end of the carnival period. However, due to the symbolic importance, the closure is preceded by an intense final weekend, between February 14 and 16, full of concluding events. During these final days, the final mask parades and closing celebrations take place, gradually accompanying the city back to normality. In summary, Shrove Tuesday represents a moment of collective transition, in which Venice bids farewell to the festival, leaving visitors with a sense of fulfillment and lasting memory.
Venice City Pass all Inclusive 72h
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Venice Carnival 2026
- When does the Venice Carnival 2026 take place? From January 31 to February 17, 2026, with events distributed in multiple phases.
- Which are the most important days to experience as a tourist? February 1, the weekend from February 6 to 8, and the final period until Shrove Tuesday.
- Does the Festa delle Marie have a precise date? Yes, the central moment takes place on February 7, 2026, with related events in the following days.
- Are evening events present for the entire duration of the Carnival? They are particularly concentrated from February 6 until the closing on February 17.
- Does the Carnival change intensity during the weeks? Yes, because the weekends are more spectacular, while the weekdays offer a quieter experience.
- Why is it important to know the dates of the Carnival? Due to the variety of events, the dates help the tourist plan a more conscious visit.