Carnevale di Venezia
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8th February – 25thFebruary 2020
The Venice carnival is famous world-wide and is a ‘must’ whilst staying in Ferrara. It gets very crowded especially at weekends, but don’t be put off as there is always something magical about celebrating ‘Carnevale’ in Venice.
Opening Celebrations:
Festival on Water Part 1– Rio di Cannaregio
Saturday 8th February, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The opening ceremony starts at Rio di Cannaregio, along the canal, where an impressive floating theatre will present the theme for this year’s carnival: ‘Il Gioco, l’Amore e la Follia’. The first performance is at 7 p.m. and is repeated at 9 p.m.
Festival on Water Part 2– From Punta della Dogana to Rio di Cannaregio
Sunday9thFebruary, from 10.30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The canals of this area of Venice (Rio di Cannaregio) will come alive with music and theatre. Watch the spectacular boat parade which starts from Punta della Dogana and travels along the Canal Grande all the way to Rio di Cannaregio. When the boats arrive (around 12 p.m.) food stands will open, offering typical sweets and other Venetian delicacies.
Official Dinner and Ball
15th, 16th& from 20thto 25thFebruary, from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Ca’ Vendramin Calegri
If you would like a truly amazing carnival experience with entertainment, a fabulous meal, music and everything organized for you, then this is the magical event for you. Hurry though and book on-line (www.carnevale.venezia.it). Watch out for the prices – they are rather magical too! This event is for adults only.
Entertainment in San Marco
Saturday 15th– Tuesday 25thFebruary
Throughout the weeks the famous San Marco’s square becomes the heart, not only of the city, but also of the carnival.
Festa delle Marie
Saturday 15thFebruary from 2.30 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The procession leaves San Piero di Castello (via Garibaldi) at 2.30 p.m. and arrives in Piazza San Marco at around 4 p.m.
This is a historical street parade of the 12 most beautiful Venetian ladies who are presented with gifts from the Doge of Venice in the main Piazza.
Best Mask of Venice Competition
Piazza San Marco
Every day from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Each day in Piazza San Marco there is a competition to choose the best costume. The grand finale takes place on Sunday 23rdFebruary at 2.30 p.m.
Il Volo dell’Angelo (The flight of the Angel)
Piazza San Marco
Sunday 16th February, from 11 a.m. onwards
‘The Flight of the Angel’ opens the carnival of Venice each year and is an impressive sight to watch. There will be lots of entertainment in the Piazza whilst waiting for the angel to fly down from the bell tower at around midday.
‘Il Volo dell’Aquila’ (The Flight of the Eagle)
Piazza San Marco
Sunday 23rdFebruary, 11 a.m. – midday
Another traditional event which symbolizes the Carnival of Venice is the ‘Flight of the Eagle’ – a celebrity bravely “flies” from the top of San Marco’s bell tower to San Marco’s square, dressed as an eagle.
Children’s Best Mask Competition
Monday 24thFebruary, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Piazza San Marco
If you or your child would like to participate in the “Best Mask Contest” this event is free. Go to the official Venice Carnival website: www.carnevale.venezia.itand select the ‘Best Mask’ event, the day and then click on the word ‘modulo’ (form). Simply fill in the form and email it back to the indicated address. You will then be sent all the information you need.
Festa delle Marie – Award Ceremony
Piazza San Marco
25thFebruary, at 4 p.m.
The most beautiful Maria will arrive by boat in Piazza San Marco where she will receive her crown.
‘Lo Svolo del Leon’
Piazza San Marco
25thFebruary, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
An enormous flag with the symbol of the city flies over the piazza to close the Carnival of Venice officially.
Other Carnivals near Venice
Mestre Carnival Street Show
15th& 16thand from 20th– 25thFebruary, 4.30 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Piazza Ferretto , Mestre
The streets of the city of Mestre (Venice) will come alive with music, acrobats and parades.
Carnevale di Burano
Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd February, from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Even this tiny island holds its own street carnival with entertainment for children, floats, concerts and parades. Catch a boat from outside the station or from Piazza San Marco.
Flight of the Donkey
Sunday 23rdFebruary, from 11.30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Piazza Ferretto, Mestre
Copying the original ‘Flight or the Eagle’ the town of Mestre has invented its own flying donkey!
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