Securing Private Access to Living History
Step into a world of wonder and elegance at the Venice Carnival, one of Europe’s oldest and most captivating festivals. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Canal and the historic St. Mark’s Square, this year’s celebration promises a night of opulence and artistry. February 7 – 17, you’ll be enveloped in a magical atmosphere filled with theatrical performances, sumptuous period costumes, and exquisite culinary delights. Join us for an unforgettable 10 days of history, mystery, and the spirit of liberation coming alive.
A Centuries-Old Celebration of Freedom
Revived in 1979, the Venice Carnival was nearly lost after two centuries of absence. Today, it still honors its ancient traditions with remarkable authenticity. During the days of the Serenissima Republic, Carnival meant freedom from social constraints. Private palaces transformed into venues for elaborate dances and indulgent celebrations. Theater performances filled the streets while masked revelers moved through the city. This spirit of liberation continues today, inviting you to experience Venice’s golden age. The festival represents living history you can touch and taste.
Behind the Mask: Anonymity and Artistry
The masks and costumes of Venice Carnival aren’t merely decorative. Each design has a deeply symbolic meaning.
- Bauta: This simple white mask paired with a black cloak, allowed complete anonymity. Venetians of all social classes could move freely without the weight of convention, and it became something of a national costume.
- Moretta: An oval black velvet mask reserved for women geared toward seduction. Uniquely, it was held in place by a button clasped between the teeth making the wearer mysteriously silent throughout the evening.
- Gnaga: a half-mask with cat-like features. Both featured men and women adorned this mask meant to satirize social norms.
You can join in the fun by reserving your own period attire ahead of time, ensuring you fully embrace the spirit of the Carnival. Even today, walking through masked crowds feels like stepping back centuries, as you become part of this enchanting tradition.
Sweet Indulgences: A Taste of Tradition
No Venice Carnival experience is complete without sampling the traditional sweets that define this celebration.
- Venetian fritters: (fritoe venexiane) are the undisputed queens of Carnival treats. These fried dough balls come filled with custard, zabaione, raisins, or chocolate.
- Galani: thin and flaky pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Their history dates to Roman Saturnalia celebrations centuries ago.
- Castagnole: small, round fried sweets resembling a chestnut. The dough is enhanced with liqueur and lemon zest to melt in your mouth.
As Carnival season begins, bakeries throughout Venice fill the streets with unmistakable aromas. Tasting these delicacies offers a literal taste of history with every bite.
The Festa delle Marie: Beauty and History Unite
The Festa delle Marie commemorates a dramatic historical event from 973 AD. Dalmatian pirates kidnapped twelve Venetian girls during religious celebrations at San Pietro di Castello. 
Doge Pietro Candiano III organized a chase and successfully freed the maidens. Since then, this festival has honored their rescue with evolving rituals and customs. Revived in 1999 by director Bruno Tosi, it’s now a key Carnival event. Each year, twelve young women aged 18-28 compete for the title of Maria. The winner is crowned at La Fenice Theater on March 3rd. This tradition blends historical commemoration with contemporary celebration, showcasing Venetian pride and beauty.
An Exclusive Evening: Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
Imagine stepping into the magnificent halls of Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, overlooking Venice’s legendary Grand Canal. The Carnival Official Dinner Show is the most exclusive evening of the festival. This immersive experience celebrates passion, mystery, and the love of life itself. You’ll ascend the palace’s iconic staircase as theatrical lighting transforms your surroundings. Sumptuous period costumes and unforgettable artistic performances surround you throughout the night. The expert chefs of Ristorante Wagner prepare a rich, indulgent menu. Meanwhile, elegant eighteenth-century entertainment keeps you captivated until the early hours. All dinners begin at 9:00 PM sharp and period costume is mandatory.
Your Private Passage to Venice Carnival
Getting to Venice for Carnival 2026 deserves the same elegance as the event itself. That’s where we become your essential partner in luxury travel. You’ll fly directly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), just minutes from the city. Our fleet offers everything from nimble light jets to spacious large-cabin aircraft. Skip the commercial airline chaos and travel on your own schedule entirely. Additionally, you’ll enjoy personalized catering and complete privacy throughout your journey. Use our Flight Finder to explore available aircraft for your preferred dates. From touchdown to palazzo, your experience will be seamless and sophisticated.
Ready to secure your spot at Venice Carnival 2026? Contact us today and let us handle every detail of your journey.