Carnival of Venice 2025: The Time of Casanova

Everything You Need to Know About The 2025 Edition of the Carnival in Venice: Events, Celebrations, Magic, and a Legendary Protagonist!

"It’s the most wonderful time of the year", and in Venice, that means one thing: Carnival is back! The streets (or calli, as they are called locally) and canals are getting ready to shine for the most anticipated event of the year, taking place from February 14 to March 4, 2025. This edition is even more special, as it marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of one of Venice’s most legendary citizens: Giacomo Casanova.

Known worldwide as a great seducer, Casanova’s life was a blend of myth and reality, marked by his charm, intellect, and adventurous spirit. From his travels across Europe to his escape from the Piombi, the notorious prisons beneath the Palazzo Ducale, he remains one of Venice’s most fascinating characters.

The 2025 Carnival in Venice will be filled with the same vibrant energy and passion as Casanova himself! Many events have been prepared to enchant the city and capture the hearts of all those who will be there.

Here, you’ll find our favorites and absolute must-sees, a delightful blend of traditional happenings and special events of the 2025 edition.

The Great Opening of the Carnival on Lovers Day, February 14th

It’s no coincidence that the celebrations begin on Saint Valentine’s Day, February 14th! The evening, titled Cuore a cuore (Heart to Heart), will feature a spectacular show celebrating love and lovers. Expect performances, dancers, acrobats, and a DJ set to keep everyone dancing all night long in Piazza San Marco. During the evening, there will also be time for the Urla il tuo amore (Shout Your Love) initiative. Lovers who would like to take the stage and declare their love can do so by sending an email with their photo and an explanation of why their love deserves to be shouted out, or they can try to join in at the last minute.

The Flight of the Angel - A Beloved Tradition

But this is just the beginning! The Carnival of Venice is packed with events that capture the very essence of its rich traditions. Among the most anticipated is the traditional opening event, the Volo dell'Angelo (Flight of the Angel), on February 16th. During this spectacular moment, a young woman, often the winner of the Marie contest, will "fly" from the top of the bell tower and descend to Piazza San Marco, greeted by the Doge’s mask and a crowd of other revelers in costume. It's an unforgettable sight and even if it not the first event of the carnival, it marks the official start of the festivities.

Festa Veneziana sull’Acqua – The Spectacular Parade on the Grand Canal

On the same day, February 16th, the Festa Veneziana sull'Acqua will take place, the traditional water parade along the Grand Canal. More than 100 colorful rowing boats, guided by masked rowers, will gather at Punta della Dogana at 11:00 AM and will head toward Rialto among colorful smoke, balloons and confetti, ending in a vibrant choreography under the Rialto Bridge.

Festa delle Marie – Celebrating the Feminine Beauty of Venice

On February 22nd, the traditional Festa delle Marie commemorates the rescue of twelve young girls who were once kidnapped by pirates. In this event, twelve young Venetian women, selected from those aged up to 28, will wear beautiful historical costumes and parade through the canals aboard gondolas, making their way to the streets of Piazza San Marco. On March 3rd, the Maria of the Year will be chosen, crowning one of these women as the symbol of the Carnival’s spirit.

The Best Mask Competition – Enhancing the Creativity of Carnival Lovers from All Over the World

The Best Mask Competition is a highlight of the Carnival, where participants from around the world showcase their creative disguises on the stage in Piazza San Marco. The costume parades will take place on February 15, 16, 22, 23, 27, 28, and March 1, 2025, with three rounds each day at 12:00, 16:00, and 17:00. Each round will crown a winner who will qualify for the final on Sunday, March 2 at 16:00. The best masks will compete for the title of Most Beautiful Mask of Carnival 2025 and the winner will be crowned on Mardi Gras. March 4th Mardi Gras, indeed, will be the great final.

GIACOMO, A Love Story – The Water Show at the Arsenale

Another must-see event is the water show GIACOMO, A Love Story, held at the stunning natural theater of the Arsenale. This multifaceted performance, combining dance, music, narration, video art, light displays, water effects, and sound, will retrace the fascinating life of Giacomo Casanova. Click here to check the dates and times of the performances: Arsenale Water Show.

But the period is also filled with many other events: art exhibitions, conferences, film screenings, and performances of all kinds will take place throughout the two-week-long festival. For more information on the various celebrations of Carnevale di Venezia, refer to their official website!

If you want to learn more about the tradition of Carnival in Venice and its deep meaning, check out our dedicated article Venice Carnival: Traditions, Masks & Revelry on our blog.