As if we needed another reason to visit Venice! The City of Bridges is one of the most romantic and history-laden in the world, but it is also a cultural hub.
Each year, Venice hosts its own carnival where participants celebrate with colorful masks. As legend goes, the carnival was inspired by the Venetian Republic’s triumph over the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven, in 1162. People began to dance in San Marco Square following the victory and it became a tradition that lasted through to the 18th century.
The Carnival of Venice was eventually banned by the Holy Roman Emperor, but returned in all its glory in 1979.
You may have attended carnivals in Rio de Janeiro or New Orleans, but none quite compare to Venice. Here the festivities last for ten days between late January and mid-February, ending the day before Ash Wednesday on Shrove Tuesday.
The period is filled with parades, masquerade balls, and other jovial events. But prepare for some of these could set you back $530 per ticket!
The real draw of the carnival, however, is the costumes and masks. Expect to see around 3 million people looking as though they’ve come straight out of the 17th century.
This year’s edition of the Carnival of Venice ends on February 21, but we suggest already planning for next year as it is the most popular time to be in the city.