The Venice Carnival Festival is a very popular and international festival, but how to experience it to the fullest?
The Costume is a almost a must!
Wear a costume! No, you don’t necessarily need a super expensive or a typical costume that you have seen on TV or on the internet. You can wear a costume made by you, the one you like best, next: wear a mask and make-up that make you happy.
If you really want a historical or particular costume you can always rent it, many Venetian ateliers provide this service and you can check it with a quick google search.
Events and enjoy the Carnival
Post covid the big events will be back in Piazza San Marco. Always show up early, perhaps masked and cover up well.
The layers to keep the heat under the costume are essential, the Carnival of Venice is an historic carnival and must end 40 days before Easter. It is often held in February, and it gets chilly here. To find out more about Carnival, READ HERE.
Carnival should be enjoyed and made it from and for people, it is not an event “to watch”. You, us, we are all the Carnival with its colors and laughs. Take part in the events that unfold throughout the city and the islands of the Lagoon, eat frittelle and galani (typical Carnival sweets), dance and sing.
Do not forget: take a look to the sites of local events, museums and local Venetian organizations, there are often splendid events that take place in parallel with the official events.
Plan as much as you can
Check the dates of the Carnival in November and book hotels and any events that require booking in advance.
Also pay attention to means of transport such as train, plane, and parking if you intend to reach Venice by car.
Same rule for any restaurants or taverns, book in advance the places you want to frequent.
Pics, photos and pics
Imagine hundreds of people trying to take pictures of people in masks. There will be masks with costumes that will look like works of art. People who wear them often sew and design them by themselves or thanks to trusted tailors, there are those who are preparing for a whole year or more to experience the Carnival with their beloved costume.
Personally, I love going to St. Mark’s Square early in the morning, around 7. There are a lot of masks (and professional photographers … so many) walking around the square but in almost all of the San Marco and Rialto area.
I love to go there, greet some masks, take some pictures and enjoy the “almost” peace of this magical moment. The Hotel is located a few minutes from Piazza San Marco, why not go there?
Venice during the Carnival hosts many visitors, often over 100,000 people a day. Weekends are very busy.
Do not expect a silent city, Carnival is also experienced late at night. It is an event that envelops everyone, wear your costume, a super smile and bring a nice pinch of patience with you.
Ambra -Hotel San Salvador Team-
