Venice Carnival 2027: dates, what to do and tips

The Venice Carnival is one of the most magical events in Europe: sumptuous masks, period costumes, festivals on the water and an entire city that turns into an open-air theatre. It's also one of the most sought-after times of the year, so it's best to plan well in advance. Here's everything you need to experience it — dates, what to do and the tips of people who live in Cannaregio.

📅 When is the Venice Carnival 2027

The Carnival always culminates on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso), which in 2027 falls on 9 February. Celebrations traditionally begin about two weeks earlier (between late January and early February), with a rich programme of events up to Shrove Tuesday.

The exact official dates and the theme of each edition are announced every year by the organisers: always check the official Carnival website before booking fixed-date events.

🎭 What to see and do

• St Mark's Square — the heart of the Carnival: shows, parades and the famous best mask contest.
• The Flight of the Angel — the official opening in St Mark's Square, when a costumed figure "flies" from the Campanile over the crowd.
• The Procession of the Marys — the historical re-enactment that parades through the city.
• Masked balls — elegant parties in the historic palazzi (in costume, by reservation and often expensive): a dream experience for the most exclusive Carnival.
• Walking in costume — simply wandering among alleys and squares, between photographers and masks, is already the most beautiful show.

🌊 The water festival, right in Cannaregio

One of the most striking opening moments — the Festa Veneziana sull'acqua (Venetian Water Festival) — takes place along the Rio di Cannaregio, a few steps from Cà Letizia: illuminated boats, music and shows on the water. Experiencing the Carnival from Cannaregio means having this scene on your doorstep, and being able to retreat in the evening to a quiet neighbourhood while San Marco stays crowded.

🎨 The masks and costumes

Venetian masks are an ancient art. The most famous: the bauta (the white mask covering the whole face), the moretta, and the plague doctor with its long beak. You can admire them in artisan workshops, buy an authentic one, or even rent a full costume for a day in the spotlight. A tip: steer clear of the plastic masks on tourist stalls and look for the real craftsmen.

🍩 The sweets of Carnival

It's not Carnival without frittelle (the Venetian fritole, plain or filled with cream or zabaione) and galani (the crisp fried, sugar-dusted ribbons). You'll find them in every neighbourhood pastry shop: the sweetest way to get into the spirit of the festival.

💡 Practical tips

• Book your stay well in advance: Carnival is one of the busiest times of the year.
• Buy tickets early for fixed-date events and balls.
• Wear a mask, or at least an accessory: it's part of the fun and makes you feel inside the festival.
• Comfortable shoes and warm clothes: February is cold and there's a lot of walking.
• Move around calmly: St Mark's Square and the vaporetti are crowded on peak days — set off early.

🏠 Experiencing Carnival from Cà Letizia

An apartment in Cannaregio is the ideal base for Carnival: you're close to the water festival, you reach San Marco on foot or by vaporetto, and in the evening you return to the authentic Venice, away from the crush. With a kitchen at your disposal you can also enjoy the frittelle from the pastry shop and a quiet dinner after a day of masks.

To plan your trip: a weekend in Venice, where to stay and how to get here.

Experience Carnival in Cannaregio

Carnival days sell out fast: send a request well in advance for your dates.