A Short History of Venice Carnival & Some of Its Popular Masks

Even though it’s still winter in Venice, February in Italy's floating city is still warmer than January. Maybe it’s because romance is in the air, or because the grandeur of Carnevale is just right around the corner. Whatever the reason, Febbraio (February) in Venice is as extremely vibrant as you would imagine.

Unsplash: Edoardo Maresca

When is the Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia)?

The Carnevale is an annual festival in Venice that is celebrated in February and ends on Mardi Gras, right before Lent begins.

• February 11 – February 21, 2023
• February 3 – February 13, 2024
• February 22 – March 4, 2025

What is the Carnival of Venice about?

Legend has it that the first one took place in 1162 after the Venetian Republic defeated Ulrico de Treven. The festival experienced a great increase in popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1979, the Italian government revived the Carnival to promote local culture, and the streets of Venice quickly filled with masqueraders donning lavish attire.

Carnival Masks

Venetian Carnival masks allowed revelers anonymity to indulge in pleasure and other acts.

• Bauta: A white, simple, square-jawed mask that covers the full face.
• Colombina: An elaborately decorated mask that covers half of the face.
• Medico Della Peste: The Plague Doctor mask, featuring a large beak.
• Moretta: A black, oval-shaped mask with big eye holes but no lips.
• Arlecchino: Also known as the harlequin; a short-nosed half-mask.