Italy’s Annual Carnevale Celebrations
11/02/25
A Spectacle of Masks, Music, and Tradition
Every year, in the weeks leading up to Lent, Italy bursts into a dazzling celebration of Carnevale, a festival known for its extravagant masks, grand parades, and centuries-old traditions and an unmissable experience filled with history, culture, and pure joy.
Carnevale has been celebrated in Italy since the Middle Ages, with roots tracing back to ancient Roman and pagan festivals. The word "Carnevale" comes from the Latin "carnem levare," meaning "farewell to meat," reflecting the indulgence before the fasting period of Lent. Over the centuries, Carnevale evolved into a grand festival of masks, music and merriment, embraced by towns and cities across Italy.
The Heart of Carnevale : Venice
Venice hosts Italy’s most famous and elegant Carnevale. The city transforms into a living theatre, where people in elaborate 18th-century-style costumes and stunning masks wander through the narrow streets and gather in Piazza San Marco. Highlights of Venice’s Carnevale include The Grand Masked Balls - exclusive and opulent parties held in historic palaces, The Flight of the Angel - a breathtaking tradition where an acrobat 'flies' from the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica and Gondola Parades where boats decorated in traditional Venetian style glide along the Grand Canal.
Celebrated Across Italy, Not Just in Venice
While Venice and a few other cities get most of the attention, Carnevale is celebrated in towns and villages across Italy. From north to south, you’ll find local festivals filled with parades, costumes, and lively traditions. Whether you're in a small Tuscan village, a Sicilian seaside town, or anywhere in between, there may be a Carnevale celebration happening nearby. If you're visiting Italy during this time, it’s worth checking if there’s a local event close to where you’re staying—you might just stumble upon a hidden gem of a festival!
A Celebration of Taste and Tradition
Carnevale isn’t just about sights and sounds—it’s also a time for indulgence in delicious seasonal treats such as Chiacchiere - crispy, fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, Frittelle - soft, doughy fritters filled with custard and Castagnole, bite sized fried dough balls coated in sugar.
Why You Should Experience Carnevale in Italy
Carnevale is a festival that truly captures the spirit of Italy. It’s a time to embrace history, creativity and indulgence, making memories that last a lifetime, and an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss if you are planning a trip to Italy.