For two weeks leading to Shrove Tuesday (Martedi Grasso or Mardi Gras), the city is aglow with pageantry and the spectacle of Carnival. Many events centre on St. Mark’s Square, such as the highly-anticipated “Flight of the Angel” (Volo dell’Angelo), which sends a young beauty flying overhead via zip line, but celebration can be found in every neighbourhood and nook. Colourful parades on water and land, regatta boat races, kids’ fairs and free live performances keep the city abuzz, especially during weekends, but the ultimate Carnivale experience is attending a masquerade ball. Many are private and invitation-only, while others are ticketed affairs like the famously extravagant and expensive official ball held at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi on the Grand Canal. Hotels and guest houses can help arrange event tickets, costume rentals and photography sessions. Sign up for locally-led mask-making workshops for insight into the centuries-old tradition and a truly meaningful souvenir – your one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Venetian mask.
They know how to throw a party in Venice, make no mistake about that. The best events in Venice are a celebration of this magnificent place, with more than 30 million visitors making their way to the Serene Republic annually to take part in the fun. What are the highlights? Well, there seems to be something big going on every month here, but it is difficult to look past the iconic Carnevale (late February) and the fabulous Venice Biennale. In a world full of spectacular events, those two take some beating.
There is plenty more on the calendar, and Venice serves up a real ‘something for everyone’ atmosphere with its events. There’s nowhere quite like Venice, after all, and there’s no party quite like a Venice party.