Italy Vacation > The Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice

Written by VacationIdea.com Travel Editors.

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The Carnival of Venice brings two weeks of parties, cocktails and exotic costumes to Venice every February. Streets and squares in Venice fill with people wearing unique costumes and traditional masks. Venetian cafes organize parties and balls where everybody who wants to get in has to wear a traditional costume.

Masks and costumes have been an important part of Venetian living during the past centuries. Masks initially had practical uses - they were used by gamblers to avoid creditors, by doctors who believed that wearing a mask will prevent them from getting plague, and by poor noblemen who begged on the streets of Venice. Masks were also used at banquets and parties to preserve anonymity.

The Carnival of Venice traditionally begins with a parade in St. Mark's Square. After the parade, costumed participants can choose from numerous events and parties in the 18th century style. There is dancing, tasty dinners, cocktails and even a competition for the best costume. Reservations are required for most events.

Renting or buying a historic costume:

There are several shops in Venice that rent or sell costumes. Rental fees are around US $100 to US $200 for the first evening and half that for every day thereafter. If you are looking to purchase, costumes start at US $1,000 and masks start at about US $60.

Ballo Tiepolo Venezia - rents costumes and evening dresses
Sestiere San Marco 4706, Venice 30124, Italy
Phone: +39-041-277-7925

Atelier Pietro Longhi - rents and sells costumes; samples shown on their web site
San Polo 2604/B, 30125 Venice, Italy
Phone: +39-041-714478
E-mail: pietrolonghi@rialto.com
Web site: www.rialto.com/pietrolonghi/

La Venexiana Atelier - sells masks, women's and men's costumes, shoes and cloaks
Frezzeria San Marco 1135, Venice 30124, Italy
Phone: +39-041-5286888
Web site: www.lavenexiana.it

Accommodations and a schedule of events:

Hotels are always full during the Carnival and reservations should be made months in advance. Hotel Cipriani is one of the best hotels in Venice located on 3.5 private acres.

Prices to attend the Carnival events range from Euro 45 to Euro 380. Most events require a historic costume. For a complete list of events during the Carnival of Venice and for event reservations, call +39-041-717-065.