36 Hours of Carnival in Venice, Italy

February 22, 2025- February 23. 2025

Getting to experience carnival in Venice, Italy is something I hope everyone plans on, and gets to, be apart of at some point in their life. Originating in 1162, carnival is a celebration of military victory that is celebrated by dancing and gatherings in St. Marks Square that has become an annual event and hallmark of Venetian culture.

This 36 hour trip was my second time to Venice, but even in the short amount of time I spent here, this trip easily surpassed my previous trip very quickly. If you are a lover of live music, creative art, street performers, vibrant colors, extravagant costumes, and the chance to be apart of a classic Italian tradition, then carnival in Venice is the perfect trip for you.

The best part about carnival in Venice is that it is a public celebration that does not cost a thing! Of course, besides paying for accommodation, food, transportation, etc. but the performances, dances, costume viewings, and all other amazing parts of carnival that make it the kind of amazing experience it is are taking place on the winding streets of Venice all along it’s canals that you will find yourself running into around every corner.

The main highlight of this trip were the main stage performances that took place right in the middle of St. Marks Square.

For starters, the location of the main stage makes it practically unavoidable because as you are making your way throughout all the other acts of carnival, you will find yourself often stumbling into this open space.

Secondly, the main stage performances are continuously going on throughout the entirety of the day! Filled with live guitar playing, operatic singing, traditional dancing, costume contests, baton twirling, and choral arrangements, the main stage performances have something for everyone to enjoy at any moment in the day.

Although carnival brought Venice to life, there is still so much to be discovered in Venice regardless of the festival that was taking place. I found myself particularly enjoying the moments that didn’t even involve any participation in carnivals activities. I spent so much of my time sitting along the edge of the canals winding through Venice, strolling along the harbor watching the boats, and wandering about the winding, thin streets all throughout Venice.

As I mentioned before, there is something here for everyone to enjoy at any time of year. So if you haven’t already, make plans to visit Venice, Italy. You wont regret it.