Venice Carnival: Everything You Need To Know

Carnival is one of the main commemorative dates around the world. Some places are very famous to celebrate this date, such as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. However, another important place to celebrate carnival is in Venice. In this way, the city has a very characteristic carnival, in which the high point is the costumes and the mystery of the masks. We wrote this article to introduce you to the Venice Carnival. Good reading!

How the Venice Carnival Came About

The Carnival of Venice has been around since the 18th century, when nobles began to wear masks to walk around and mingle with the crowd without being disturbed. This happened once a year, before Lent. In addition to the white masks, the nobles wore black silk clothes and black hats. Current costumes still retain these characteristics, however, from the 1980s onwards, colors began to gain ground.

Masquerades and Costumes at Venice Carnival

As in Brazil, the revelry in Venice attracts 3 million tourists a year, who find several people dressed in costumes during the festivities in the alleys and canals. Unlike Brazil, at Carnaval Veneza there is not much music, apart from blocks and parades. The biggest events take place in Praça São Marcos, where the best costumes and masks can be found. To get in the mood, many tourists rent or buy a costume and blend in with the groups. In the case of noble masks, known as Maschera Nobile, they are traditionally found in black, white and gold.

Main Attractions of the Venice Carnival

The Venetian party has a wide program. On February 24, the traditional Voo do Anjo marks the opening of the Venice Carnival, in São Marcos Square, where a colombian flies over the bell tower. Some events are fixed, such as the procession of Marias, on February 15, in  San Marcos Square, in addition to the most beautiful costume and mask contests, on February 23. Thus, among the attractions are the Water Parade, with gondolas, fireworks and music, which takes place on Saturday, February 8th. Remembering that during Carnival, Venice is usually crowded with tourists, so hurry up and book your accommodation in advance. If you want to save money, you can stay in Mestre, a city next to Venice.

What to Visit in Venice

We will now talk about the main attractions in Venice:

• Piazza San Marco;
• Basilica of San Marco;
• Belfry Tower;
• Palazzo Ducale.

Piazza San Marco

This is the main square in Venice. First of all: don't be alarmed by the number of pigeons in it – seriously, there are many! The kids who love to party with them.

Basilica of San Marco

The most famous church in the city built in the year 828, located in Piazza di San Marco. So, the building really impresses for its size and architecture, containing five domes that mix the Byzantine, Romanesque and Renaissance styles. Entrance to the basilica is free, you only pay if you want to go to the museum that is located there.

Belfry Tower

Climb! Don't think twice and go up! The first version of the tower's construction dates from the 9th century and collapsed in 1902 – being rebuilt based on a 16th century project. Thus, the view you will have from up there, from the Belfry Tower, is sensational! You can see Venice from another angle and just below you is the Basilica di San Marco

Palazzo Ducale

The Doge's Palace is also known as the Doge's Palace and was built in 1424. The architecture has a Gothic style and the place was the former seat of the Doge, the ruler of Venice. So, like virtually all constructions in the city, you will be delighted to observe the details of the facade of the place. Thus, this is the main square in Venice. First of all: don't be alarmed by the number of pigeons in it – seriously, there are many! The kids who love to party with them. Therefore, the Venice Carnival is a very important program that you should consider when visiting the city and Italy, especially if your trip takes place after Lent! Learn more in Plushotel!