Venice Carnival 2025 Events Schedule

Table of Contents

Venice Carnival 2025 Theme

Each year, a theme for the Carnival is announced in the weeks leading up to it. This year’s theme is “In the time of Casanova”. In celebration of one of Venice’s greatest adventurers, this year’s Venice Mask Festival will focus on the explorer’s legendary legacy. This overarching theme translates to tones of travel and discovery. Venice Carnival 2025 will take place from 22 February to March 4, 2025. Below, we have listed all the pre-carnival and core traditional events of the Venice Carnival 2025 so you can mark your diaries and prepare accordingly.

Pre-Carnival 2025 Events: 22 February- March 4th

Grand Opening “Floating Parade”: February 15th – 16th

Officially kicking off the Venice Carnival 2025 events, the Festa Veneziana is a colorful and musical celebration cherished by all. The huge water parade involved masked and costumed individuals rowing their boats across the Venice Grand Canal. Make sure you don’t miss the delicious Venetian street food on sale!

Boats depart from Venice Station on the morning of February 16th and dock half an hour later at Dogana da Mar.

Carnival Street Show 2025

The official Carnival Street Show 2025 begins on February 15th with street theater performances in the main city squares like St. Stefano Square, S. Margherita, S. Geremia, and more. These continue every day throughout the entire Carnival period.

Venetian Mask-Making Workshops

During the Venice Carnival, the tradition of participating in Venetian mask-making workshops adds a hands-on dimension to the festivities. Enthusiasts and visitors alike engage in these workshops to learn the ancient craft of mask making, crafting their own unique and personalized masks using traditional techniques, creating a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of Venice and the mystique of the carnival season.

Book Your Venice Carnival Mask Workshop

The Carnival 2025 Events: The Core Events: February 22 – March 4

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Venice Carnivale Events may undergo some last minute changes

“Festa delle Marie” – The Marie Festival – Saturday 22 February

What: The Festa Delle Marie in Venice is an annual carnival celebration dating back to the 9th century, featuring a vibrant parade of beautifully adorned young Venetian women known as “Marie” through the city’s historic streets. It commemorates the offering of dowries to humble maidens by the Doge in medieval times.
Location: Departs from San Pietro in Castello. Concludes at St Mark’s Square.
Time: 14:30
Price: Free Entry

The Best Mask Contest – From February 22 (Daily)

What: Don your traditional Venetian mask and join the crowds in St Mark’s Square. Each day’s winners of the Best Mask Contest are entered into the final.
Location: St Mark’s Square
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Price: Free (But, don’t forget to register your mask entry!)

Official Venice Carnival Dinner, Show, and Ball 2025 – February 22-23 and February 27-March 4

What: The ultimate Venice Carnival party. Mouth-watering food, flawless and enchanting musical performances, and the most elite crowd in town.
Location: Ca’ Vendramin Calergi Palace (overlooking the Grand Canal)
Time: 21:00
Price: €600.00

Final of the contest “The Most Beautiful Mask”

What: The climax of the Venice Mask Festival is the eagerly anticipated Best Mask Contest final, where participants showcase their elaborate and intricately designed masks, competing in a dazzling display of creativity and craftsmanship.
Location: St Mark’s Square
Time: 10:00 – 17:00
Price: Free