by InTrieste
The floating city has transformed into a grand stage of masked revelry as it hosts the 2025 edition of Carnevale di Venezia, an 18-day celebration running from February 14 to March 4. This year’s festivities pay homage to one of Venice’s most legendary figures, Giacomo Casanova, marking the 300th anniversary of his birth with the theme Il Tempo di Casanova.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro announced that this year’s carnival will immerse visitors in the intrigue and opulence of 18th-century Venice, a world Casanova himself navigated with charm and audacity. “Casanova embodies the spirit of Venice—freedom, passion, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure,” Brugnaro stated.
A City in Celebration
Venice’s storied canals, bridges, and squares are currently alive with a dazzling array of events, including masked balls, allegorical floats, and night parades. The festivities officially began on Valentine’s Day with live music and dance performances in Piazza San Marco.
Yesterday, on February 16, the Grand Canal was the scene of a spectacular procession of masked rowers leading a fleet of 100 colorful boats. The next major highlight, the Festa delle Marie pageant, is set for February 22. This traditional parade, which begins at Piero di Castello, will culminate in St. Mark’s Square on March 3 with the crowning of the most beautiful of the 12 “Marias.”
Centuries of Tradition
Venice’s Carnival dates back to at least the 14th century, though some historians believe its origins are even older. Throughout the centuries, various rulers suppressed the event, yet it has endured as one of the most extravagant and beloved celebrations in Italy. The modern version of the Venice Carnival has been a staple of the city’s cultural calendar for the past 100 years.
Like other carnivals across Italy, Venice’s festival concludes on Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, a period traditionally associated with fasting and reflection.
For a full schedule of events, visitors can consult the official Carnevale di Venezia website.
