Carnival of Venice 2025
IL TEMPO DI CASANOVA
In the sign of Casanova. On the anniversary of his birth 300 years ago, the Venice Carnival 2025 will be inspired by the life and adventures of one of the most fascinating characters of 18th-century Venice.
The city of Venice dedicates one of its most iconic events, the Carnival, to what was a multifaceted and controversial character, a figure recognized worldwide as a seducer, but also an excellent conversationalist, man of letters, gambler and cheat, braggart and ophthalmologist, military man, historian, and spy.
Casanova is one of the most famous travelers who crossed the eighteenth century traveling through Europe. “Histoire de ma vie” is the title of the famous Venetian’s autobiographical memoir, written in French, in which he recounts, among other things, his escape from the Piombi prison in Venice, the reason why the work was banned as a prohibited book.
The Carnival of Venice will retrace his seductive and astonishing life, giving the audience the suggestions of a man whose name is inextricably linked to the history of the city and the 18th century.
What will visitors find during the Venice Carnival?
VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL – Opening Night
Friday, February 14, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. St. Mark’s Square
The Venice Carnival 2025 kicks off in the sign of love, on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. Entertainment and music for those who wish to spend the evening in the most beautiful living room in the world.
VENEZIA CARNIVAL STREET SHOW!
Venice Carnival Street Show returns in the venetian streets, with the visionary creativity of artists involving every age group of the public through the emotion of street art!
A huge programme of music, circus theatre and clowning performances will animate the historic city centre, the Venetian mainland and the islands of the lagoon with their overwhelming extravaganzas.
Venice Carnival proposes a programme with widespread shows involving Venice, Mestre, the islands of the lagoon and the municipality.
Colourful small theatres will be positioned in the squares and streets and will provide the backdrop for performances by mimes, clowns, actors, musicians, stilt-walkers, magicians and storytellers capable of involving a vast audience of children and adults who will be transported into the world of street art, comedy, fantastic stories, games and music.
A mix of merriment, music, choreography and energy, flowing to involve the most important element of each performance: the audience of any age!
100 companies
200 artists
1000 performances
Arsenale Water Show
A show that will bring to life the adventures of Giacomo Casanova.
FESTA VENEZIANA – Venice Carnival water parade 2025
Canal Grande – Sunday, February 16 at 11 a.m.
On Sunday, February 16, the long-awaited water parade of traditional boats along the Grand Canal returns, carried out in collaboration with the Coordinamento Associazioni Remiere di Voga alla Veneta and captained by the legendary papier-mâché “Pantegana”
Venice Carnival 2025 starts from the water, with the Festa Veneziana. In between colorful fumes, balloons and confetti, a hundred decorated and colorful rowing boats are led by masked rowers who gather at Punta della Dogana around 11 a.m. to reach the Rialto area. After crossing the world’s most beautiful waterway, a colorful choreography will wrap around Rialto Bridge before the big party in the Erbaria.
LA FESTA DELLE “MARIE”
The traditional competition begins with the pre-selection of the 12 Marys.
Starting on Saturday, February 22, the selected girls will participate in various events of the official Carnival program.
Unmissable is the water parade aboard gondolas, in collaboration with the Gondoliers’ Association, along the Grand Canal.
The final selection will take place on Monday, March 3, in the Sale Apollinee of the Teatro La Fenice, with the election of the Carnival Mary 2025.
The official proclamation will take place on “Fat” Tuesday, March 4, in St. Mark’s Square.
THE CARNIVAL OF CULTURE
“Casanova’s Time” is not just about street art and in outdoor spaces.
Art and theater return to celebrate Carnival with a program of performances in the city’s cultural spaces, in the lagoon and on the mainland, as part of the Carnival of Culture.
The theme of the 2025 edition is thus developed in numerous declinations, from music to theater, from readings to performances and children’s shows. The Candiani Cultural Center, the Teatrino Groggia, the House of The Human Safety Net at the Procuratie Vecchie, the Teatro a l’Avogaria, and many others are involved….
CARNIVAL IN THEATERS AND MUSEUM
The city’s theaters-from Teatro Toniolo to Teatro Goldoni, from Teatro Momo to Groggia to Teatro all’Avogaria and Teatro al Parco Albanese-present a calendar of performances during the Carnival period, just as Teatro La Fenice offers a musical program designed for the occasion.
In addition, the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia is planning extraordinary openings of the museums on its circuit to make it as easy as possible for Carnival visitors to enjoy them.
CARNIVAL OFFICIAL DINNER SHOW 2025
Choose your costume and become what you always wanted to be, just for one night. Enjoy the emotions and attend the official Venice Carnival Masquerade Ball!
A journey through time, between seduction, passion and intrigues: an unforgettable night awaits you under the sign of Casanova.
The Carnival Official Dinner Show is inspired by the Venetian eighteenth century, trying to figure out whether it is dream or reality.
The stunning venues of Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, overlooking the Grand Canal, will host the Carnival Official Dinner Show on the evenings of February 22 and 23 and February 27 through March 4.
Magnificent costumes and unforgettable performances are two key elements of this event. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in transgression at the dinner table and, for one night, give space to your innermost desires.
The Carnival Official Dinner Show is an immersive experience that celebrates the love for life and passion. Walking up the iconic staircase of the Venetian palace will take you to another era, thanks to amazing light effects, special themed sounds and wonderful performances. You are in the 18th century, the era of Casanova.
Be charmed by the mystery and fascinated by something unexpected, experience the magic of Casanova.
DRESS CODE MASKED: Historical or themed costume is required, so evening gowns or tuxedos are not allowed.
No admittance for people under 18 years of age.
Abano.it gathered the information on the Venice Carnival from the official website and cannot be held responsible for changes to the programme from the above.
Updated 15 January 2025
