Three days in Venice to attend Carnival is enough time to enjoy the festive atmosphere and participate in the season’s most significant events. From performances held at the historic center to parties in palaces, from masquerade walks among the city’s canals to bathing in Masked crowds brightening up the narrow streets. On those days, the city seems to transform itself by becoming the epicenter of an earthquake of color, confetti and merriment that attracts tourists from all over the world.
In short, the Carnival of Venice is much more than a celebration, it is rather a symbolic event that represents us everywhere, an event that no Italian can miss at least once in a lifetime. But how best to organize these three days without losing anything and maximizing costs?
Although the dates of the Venetian Carnival change each year because they are tied to the liturgical calendar, there are basically 5 events to participate in and their cadence remains unchanged. By way of example, the events are as follows:
- the procession and the feast of the Maries
- the Venetian festival on the water held in rio de Cannaregio
- The Flight of the Angel at the bell tower of St. Mark’s shrine
- the Eagle Flyover at St. Mark’s Square
- Mary’s final award ceremony with the svolo del Leon.
To these 5 events that you cannot miss, it would be nice to also add a private Masquerade Ball held in one of Venice’s historic palaces. An opportunity to experience the eighteenth-century atmosphere, with the pageantry of the Serenissima, the typical design of Murano, and the beauty of a people who have made this holiday a true cult.
Three days at the Venice Carnival
While waiting to find out the dates of the festival, it is best to book in advance a direct flight to Venice or a fast train that will allow you to get to the city in a few hours, optimizing your visit time. From the airport or central station it is possible to reach the center by cab or one of the regular buses that will take you to the gates of the historic center, for a pleasant walk accompanied by the beauty of the Grand Canal.
Generally, the dates to watch out for are Mardi Gras and Maundy Thursday along with Saturday and Sunday, which are the highlights of the festival. Having to choose only three days, better to leave on Friday and stay downtown until Sunday or arrive on Wednesday and stay until Friday. The choice varies according to one’s availability and the calendar of events, which will allow one to identify the most interesting events.
In order not to miss anything, it is necessary to book accommodation in the historic center, preferring a b&b in the Cannaregio area, for example, or near St. Mark’s Square where most of the events take place.
This accommodation solution, so that the hotel, will allow people to see the parades that are held at any time of the day, but also to visit the city in total freedom.
It is necessary to keep in mind that B&Bs are historic homes located in the heart of the city, perfect in case of families with children or for those who like to spend the whole day away from home to return in the evening and prepare dinner on their own.
Hotels, on the other hand, are a true wonder in Venice because they have windows that look out directly onto the canals and offer irresistible views and vistas that one never tires of admiring, whether in winter or summer.
Inquire about times and meeting points for events
The second suggestion is to take precise information about the times and locations where parades and award ceremonies will be held. Generally, the locations do not change because they are based on centuries-old traditions, but knowing the times and location for sure and in advance will make it possible to wake up on time and reach those places before the crowds arrive.
In fact, if you do not want to miss anything, you need to wake up early in the morning and be prepared to be on your feet for many hours without getting tired.
To best experience 3 days at the Venice Carnival: choosing a mask to wear
In your three days in Venice, you cannot miss choosing the Carnival mask to wear to participate in the all-around party. It is important to remember that the mask should be worn before leaving the house, respecting certain canons such as those of Goldoni’s 16th-century Commedia dell’Arte, such as Colombina, Pantalone or Harlequin, or those of 18th-century Venice, made up of wigs, dresses from wide and long skirts and all the Venetian beauty we know.
Strolling through the streets of the center, it is impossible not to taste good Venetian food such as that offered in one of the many cicchetterie or traditional local desserts such as frittole and galani, accompanied by a hot chocolate or a good glass of bubbly that will warm from the cold of Venetian nights.
If you love aperitifs, you won’t want to miss a few moments of relaxation in St. Mark’s Square in one of the bars located under the Procuratie, where you can watch the masks worn by the participants of the famous contest for the most beautiful Carnival mask.
A wave of color and originality representing the soul of the festival. From St. Mark’s Square to the Sestriere di Castello, it is also possible to admire the 12 Marys that the gondoliers carry in their traditional costumes, all accompanied by live music, flag-wavers and many musicians.
Always choose the most exclusive events
To have a truly exciting experience, we recommend purchasing a ticket to attend one of the many private masquerade parties. A chance to eat, drink and dance to music until morning.
But not only that, better to leave a few hours free for a visit to one of the city’s museums where exhibitions are held, temporary exhibitions and concerts as well as to admire the beauty of historic buildings. To move from one area to another, it is good to remember that it is possible to get around by sea metro or with the help of the many gondoliers available in the canals.
Three days in Venice on your own: organization and passion
Planning a long weekend in Venice is not difficult, you just need to take the right information and choose in advance the events you intend to attend. Whatever you choose, it is iportant to remember that waits are often very long, even just to get into the bar or restaurant (despite reservations), with hours spent standing in long lines to see a show or enter one of the many museums.
