Event Details
Venice Carnival 2027 – Two Weeks of Masks, Mystery and Magic
The Venice Carnival 2027 runs from 23 January to 9 February 2027. For over two weeks, the entire city of Venice becomes an open-air stage: elaborate costumes and intricate Venetian masks fill the narrow calli, the bridges and the Rialto, while spectacular masquerade balls in historic palaces and water shows at the Arsenale animate the evenings. The heart of all celebrations is Piazza San Marco, which transforms into a daily gathering point for thousands of costumed visitors from around the world.
Highlights of Venice Carnival 2027
- Festa Veneziana sull'acqua – opening ceremony with costumed regattas on the Grand Canal
- Festa delle Marie – historic procession from San Pietro di Castello to Piazza San Marco
- Volo dell'Angelo – Flight of the Angel above St Mark's Square (subject to availability)
- Daily Costume Parade on Piazza San Marco
- Arsenale Water Show – evening spectacles with light, music and acrobatics
- Il Ballo del Doge – the world's most exclusive masquerade ball at Scuola Grande della Misericordia
- Ball of Dreams and other masquerade balls in Venetian palaces
- Best Mask Contest on Piazza San Marco on the final day of Carnival
Program & Key Dates
The Carnevale di Venezia 2027 begins with a pre-carnival week from 23 January 2027. The official opening follows on 30 January with the Festa Veneziana sull'acqua, a water show with costumed regattas on the Grand Canal. Daily costume events and parades on Piazza San Marco continue throughout the entire carnival period.
One of the most beloved traditions is the Festa delle Marie, a centuries-old procession commemorating the abduction of twelve Venetian brides in 943 AD. The parade begins at San Pietro di Castello and concludes on Piazza San Marco. The final weekend brings the legendary Il Ballo del Doge at Scuola Grande della Misericordia. The entire celebration ends on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027, with the finale and the Best Mask Contest.
Masquerade Balls & Events
Venice's masquerade balls rank among the most exclusive evening events in Europe. Il Ballo del Doge has been described by Vanity Fair as the most sumptuous and refined ball in the world. Tickets cost several hundred euros per person. Other notable balls include the Ball of Dreams, the Carnival in Love Grand Ball at Palazzo Ca Zen ai Frari, the Glass Slippers Ball on the island of Murano, and several gala dinner formats at Hotel Monaco. Anyone wishing to attend an official masquerade ball in Venice should book as early as possible, as the best seats sell out months in advance.
Costumes & Masks
Unlike other carnivals, Venice has no organised float parade. Instead, the spectacle happens everywhere and at all times: in the calli, on the bridges, in the squares and on the water. Around 95 percent of participants wear elaborate costumes or at least a Venetian mask. Coming without a costume means missing a large part of the experience. Numerous local ateliers offer historical costumes in 17th and 18th century Venetian style, ranging from simple Colombina masks to full baroque ensembles available for hire. Buying or hand-decorating a mask makes for one of the most memorable souvenirs of the Carnival.
Tickets & Prices
Many of the public events at Venice Carnival are free of charge: the daily costume parades on Piazza San Marco, the historic processions and the street events. Paid tickets are required for special evening performances and the Arsenale Water Shows. Exclusive masquerade balls range from €130 to over €800 per person, depending on the event. Tickets for official events are available via the Carnevale di Venezia website and authorised booking partners.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation at least three to four months in advance – Venice is extremely crowded during Carnival.
- Use the vaporetto (water bus) to get around; cars cannot enter Venice.
- The first week of Carnival is quieter than the final weekend, making it ideal for a more relaxed visit.
- A costume or at least a mask is strongly recommended to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
- Buy the Venezia Unica City Pass for museums and public transport online in advance to avoid queues.
- Arrive early on busy days: Piazza San Marco becomes extremely crowded on the final weekend and Shrove Tuesday.
