The Carnival of Venice in Italy, also called the Venetian Carnival, is one of the best carnivals and most famous carnivals in the World. Spectacular Venetian masks and luxurious costumes portray the gloriously opulent society of the Republic of Venice.
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‘This was Venice, the flattering and suspect beauty — this city, half fairy tale and half tourist trap, in whose insalubrious air the arts once rankly and voluptuously blossomed, where composers have been inspired to lulling tones of somniferous eroticism.’ – Thomas Mann
Are you planning a trip to Venice, Italy last minute?
The next Carnival of Venice, Venice Carnival 2024 is taking place from February 3-13 2024.
If you are traveling to Venice last minute, I prepared for you a short summary of the best tours in Venice, the best hotels in Venice, and more!
BEST EXPERIENCES AND TOURS IN VENICE:
Venice: Carnival Mask Workshop and Glass-Making Experience
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour (the most popular guided tour)
Venice: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket (the most popular entry ticket)
Venice: Grand Canal Gondola Ride with App Commentary (the most popular activity)
BEST HOTELS IN VENICE:
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel (luxury)
Antico Portego (mid-range)
Combo Venezia (budget)
Must-see traditional Venetian Carnival masks and costumes
I love Venice and the Veneto region, which holds some of the most gorgeous hidden gems in northern Italy.
But the Carnival of Venice keeps a special place in my heart. I love it so much that I have visited the Carnival of Venice twice. And, I want to go back again!
In this post, I would like to show you the most famous masquerade masks in the history of masquerade. In this article you will learn all about the Venetian masquerade and Venetian masks: types of Venetian masks, names of different types of masks, the meaning of Venetian masks, Venetian masks history, facts about Venetian masks, and famous masquerade characters.
You will learn about carnival masks that will irrevocably capture your heart for the rest of your life. They certainly captured my heart!
Stunning Venice Carnival Costumes & Venetian Masks
The Carnival of Venice in Italy is one of the most famous carnivals in the world portraying the long history of wealth and aristocracy, as well as mystery and playfulness.
The 10-day-long Venice Carnival starts two Saturdays before ‘Ash Wednesday’ and ends with ‘Fat Tuesday”, i.e. 40 days before Easter. During the Carnival of Venice, glorious Venice with its magnificent Venice bridges, and sensational canals becomes a stage of theatrical joy embodied in lavish Venetian Carnival masks and extravagant Venetian costumes. The overall ecstasy is spiced with delicious Venetian pastries and tasty Venetian wine.
VENETIAN MASKS TYPES: The types of Carnival masks, and their meanings
Venetian mask names
2.1 Volto mask
Also called Larva (meaning ghost in Latin) is an iconic Venetian Carnival mask. Larva mask is a white Venetian mask that covers the whole face and depicts basic facial features (usually nose and lips) ensuring complete anonymity. It is a full-face Venetian mask. If someone wants to enjoy absolute anonymity with a touch of mystery, then they wear a Volto mask. It is a men’s Venetian mask and a women’s Venetian mask.
Larva costumes:
2.2 Bauta mask
Bauta costume in Venice
The Baùtta is one of the most famous men’s Venetian masks covering the whole face. This Venetian face mask has a square jaw, a large chin, and no mouth. Usually, it is white or heavily gilded and often comes with a tricorn hat. Historically men wore it at political decision-making events since it guaranteed complete anonymity.
2.3 Colombina mask
Opposite to the Volto and Bauta masks, the Colombina or Columbine mask is a half-mask. Colombina Venetian mask is popularly known as the Venetian eye mask since it covers only the cheeks and rarely the nose. The Colombina Carnevale mask is richly decorated with precious metals, feathers, and crystals. This Venice mask was named after a Commedia dell’ Arte Colombina character of the maidservant and a mistress of Arlecchino character. Historically women who didn’t want to hide their natural beautiful faces wore the Colombina. Later in time, men started wearing it too. Colombina Commedia Dell Arte mask is a men’s Venetian masquerade mask and a women’s Venetian mask.
2.4 Medico della Peste mask
Doctor of the Plague mask is one of the most famous Venetian masks. Medico Della Peste mask is a bird-like mask of the Venetian carnival with an extremely long hollow beak and round eyes. Historically A plague doctor wore it to prevent the spreading of the disease. This pointy nose mask is popularly known as the Italian doctor mask or Roman doctor mask. But in Venice, it is a Venetian plague doctor mask. Usually, people who are or just want to pretend to be kinky or hypochondriacal, wear Plague doctor costumes.
2.5 Pantalone mask
Pantalone costume in Venice
Another half-mask is the Pantalone or Pantaloone. It is similar to the Doctor of the Plague mask for its beak-like nose. This big nose mask was named after a Commedia dell’Arte character of the old man with bushy eyebrows and slanted eyes. Historically Pantalone Commedia dell Arte mask depicted the witty and intelligent, but arrogant and greedy personality of the Venetian merchant. The Pantone mask is one of the classic men’s Venetian masks.
2.6 Zanni mask
Zanni costume in Venice
The Carnival of Venice mask called Zanni holds the Venetian version of the name Gianni. It has a short forehead and a long nose reversed at the end. Named after a Commedia dell’Arte character, this masquerade mask with a long nose depicts stupidity. The longer the nose is, the stupider the character is.
2.7 Moretta mask
or Servetta Mutta is an oval mask with a black veil and no lips or mouth depicting a mute servant woman. Historically aristocratic women wore Moretta masks wanting to seduce men by making themselves mysterious but also wishing to stay anonymous by hiding their lips. Moretta mask is a type of female Venetian mask. In other words, the Serveta Mutta mask is a ladies’ Venetian mask.
2.8 Arlecchino mask
Arlecchino costume in Venice
The Venetian jester mask is another famous Venetian mask. The Joker Venetian mask is a colorful harlequin mask with a short nose and arched brows. Sometimes Venice jester masks have large collars and bells on them. This Jolly Venetian mask was named after a Commedia dell’Arte character depicting the servant of the more intelligent Pantalone. Commedia dell Arte Arleccino’s mask is easily recognized by an irregular-colored patched outfit and a big smile. During Venetian Carnivale people who wish to behave themselves as pranksters and bon-vivant wear Venetian Harlequin masks.
These are the most famous Venice Carnival masks. But there are many other classic Italian masks and well-known Renaissance masks like the popular Gatto mask (Venetian cat mask), Pulchinello mask (a Commedia dell’ Arte Carnival mask portraying a lazy and sneaky servant who often acts as ‘the voice of the people’) and Scaramouche mask (another Commedia dell’ Arte mask portraying unscrupulous adventurer), La Ruffina mask (portraying a Commedia dell’ Arte character of an older gossipy and sneaky woman who is a lover of Panatlone character and former prostitute).
3. Traditional Venetian pastries
Pastries are some of the tasty foods you need to try in Venice. Frittelle Veneziane and Galani (Venetian crostoli) are some of the best authentic Italian desserts from Venice.
Besides, keep in mind that traditional foods in Italy and popular Italian drinks can take you to heaven in a blink of an eye.
3.1 Galani Venetian Pastry
Galani pastries are sweet fried crispy thin pastry strips prepared traditionally during the Venetian carnival.
The Venetian Galani are large rectangles with slits in the middle, made in such a way that you can’t stop eating them once you start.
3.2 Frittelle
Frittelle fritters are also Venetian highly addictive pastries. The original Venetian frittelle are fried doughs with raisins inside and sprinkled sugar powder from the outside.
4. Local wine in Venice
4.1 Vino Ombre
Finally, when in Venice you should try Vino ombre. It is generic, ‘on tap’, a white or red wine from the Veneto region, ordered by glass and drunk between meals. Un’ombra means shadow in Italian. In Venice, the phrase ‘Andiamo a Ombra (Let’s go in the shadow)’ means let’s have a glass of wine.
5. Programme of Venice Carnival 2024
Saturday 3 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00: Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00- 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
14:30 – The Feast of the “Maries” – from the church of San Pietro di Castello to St. Mark’s Square
20:30 – 21:30 Burano Island Carnival
Sunday 4 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square, (free)
10:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
The Flight of the Angel from St Mark’s Bell Tower
Monday 5 February 2024
9:00-17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00-17:00. Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
Tuesday 6 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
Wednesday 7 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
Thursday 8 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
15:00 to 23:30 Burano Island Carnival
Friday 9 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
Saturday 10 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
15:00 to 23:30 Burano Island Carnival
Sunday 11 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
The Flight of the Eagle from St Mark’s Bell Tower (canceled this year)
15:00 to 23:30 Burano Island Carnival
Monday 12 February 2024
10:00 – 12:00 Presentation of the 12 “Mary” 2024 Saint Mark’s Square
15:00 – 17:00 Parade of traditional carnival costumes from all regions of Italy, St Mark Square
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
15:00 – 23:30 Burano Island Carnival
Tuesday 23 February 2024
9:00 – 17:00 Carnival Costumes’ Show St Mark Square (free)
10:00 to 17:00 Carnival Costume Contest St Mark Square (free)
The Flight of the Eagle from St Mark’s Bell Tower (canceled this year)
15:00 to 23:30 Burano Island Carnival
RELATED READ: How to Visit the Basilica of St Mark in Venice
6. Where to stay in Venice Italy
BUDGET: Anda Venice Hostel (Mestre), Combo Venezia (Cannaregio)
MID-RANGE: B&B Rialto Dream, Antico Portego
UPSCALE: The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hotel Danieli, A Luxury Collection Hotel
7. Venice discounts and transport
Marco Polo Airport to Venice City Center by Express Buss
Treviso Airport to Mestre and Venice by Express Bus
Shared Water Taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport to central Venice hotels
Marco Polo Airport from/to Mestre Train Station by Express Buss
Venice Public Transportation: Waterbuses & Mainland Buses
24-Hour Venice City Pass with Doge’s Palace & Public Transport
8. Must see in Venice & top things to do in Venice
Doge’s Palace (Priority Admission Ticket)
St Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour (Skip-the-Line)
2-Hour Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica (Skip-the-Line)
La Fenice Opera House in Venice
Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice
Traditional Shared Gondola in Venice
Shared Gondola Ride Across Grand Canal
9. Experience Venice in a different way
Venetian Lagoon Tour and Galleon Dinner
Sunset Boat Tour with Spritz in Venice
10. Insider and off-the-beaten path Venice
Morning Walking Tour in Venice
2.5-Hour Street Food Tour with a Local Guide
40-Minute Sparkling Wine & Italian Prosecco Tasting in Venice
Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour in Venice
Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries (Skip-the-Line)
Wine & Food Tour Near Venice’s Jewish Quarter
Jewish Getto & Cannaregio Wine and Food Tour
2-Hour Legends & Ghosts of Cannaregio Tour
11. Best day trip from Venice
Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands in the Venetian Lagoon
Although the Venice Carnival lasts 18 days, you can spend at least one day in Venice during the Carnival and witness all these beautiful Venetian masks and Carnival Venice costumes! And of course, taste some mouth-watering Italian pastries with a glass of fine wine in Venice!
Have you ever visited Venice during Carnival in Venice? What do you think of beautiful masquerade masks and carnival clothing in Venice? Which one of the Venetian masks is your favorite? Do you agree that Venetian masquerade masks for men and masquerade masks for women are utterly spectacular? Would you wear a Venetian carnival costume during the Carnival? Have you tried some of the Venetian pastries or wine in Venice?
PS: Have you seen pretty Venetian ladies in beautiful masquerade dresses and gorgeous Carnival of Venice costumes?
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Thanks for sharing these pictures with us. We would never think of these images when someone mentions carnival. Looks like tons of fun.
What a great article on the history of THE Caenival’s masks! I love the pics that you took, the costumes are so elaborate and mystical.
How amazing to have experienced Venice in this way, and thank you so much for all the info on the masks. Have to say, I love the look of the Venetian frittelle!
Carnival looks amazing!!! The history of the masks is fascinating, I did not know there were stories behind each kind. I really want to see Venice someday, and maybe try one of those frittelle!
You’re lucky to experience the carnival in Venice. I’m sure everywhere you look is a photo opportunity. Frittelle is something I need to try when we’re back in Venice. Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
That’s nice! I visited Venice, it was such a lovely city but… I’ve never seen such numbers of tourists anywhere else in the world. It was almost unbearable :/ Thanks God I discovered the town of Burano which is also amazing yet stays underrated in the shadow of Venice. But as I know, you’ve visited Burano as well so you know what I’m talking about 🙂
I went to Venice 25 years ago but, sadly, it wasn’t during the Carnival. It was very interesting to read about all the different types of masks and I’m amazed at how intricate the costumes are!
I always wanted to visit Venice during the Carnival and my schedule never allows it! You are so lucky! What a fascinating experience you shared, Milijana. 🙂 Did you buy a mask?
Hey, Mihaela!I left buying a mask for my next Carnival visit. This time I just got painted my face. 🙂
I had no idea this even existed! What an awesome experience this must have been! I really loved the picture of the older couple dressed in the Pantalone mask…they were so cute!
It looks like you are in a fairytale
I haven’t heard of Venetian Carnival before, looks like a really fun festival. I’m impressed at all the varieties of masks you covered.
I’ve been in Venice before but maybe next year I should go back at carnaval time. It looks stunning!
So many different kinds of masks and I didn’t know about it all! So, thanks for the education!!! I like the Volto Mask & Columbina Mask!!! Its really sad that I missed Venice when I was in Italy! 🙁
Oh, my that first picture is magical! I definitely need to visit during Carnival now. I’ve always had Mardi Gras on my bucket list, but this looks way better.
This is incredible! The different style masks are really unique. It must have been so cool to witness all of this.
I visited Venice in the summer and absolutely loved it. I definitely want to go back, so I’m thinking Carnival would be a great time. I love the colorful costumes.
What a site to behold! I didn’t know this was a thing in Venice, but it’s easy to see why! How spectacular. Those costumes are incredible!
ooh, I saw those masks on display and sale but did not realise that there was a festival where you could celebrate them. This is so cool and vibrant and you have captured them beautifully in this post.
I love this post and all the beautiful and ornate costumes that all the participants wear. The Pantalone mask cracks me up every time, with the long nose. And who can go wrong with costumes and Venetian pastries!!!Yum!!!
I was in Venice for a weekend in January and I loved it, but now I’m slightly sad I missed out on the carnival! I love your in-depth descriptions of all the masks and pastries – I can feel some story ideas brewing!!
Oh wow! The nature and names of the different masks is my favorite part of your article. I’ve been fascinated with masks and sometimes think it’ll be grand to be part of a masquerade. Blame it from watching Phantom of the Opera, I guess. Anyway, a mask is a mask for me before and didn’t gave a thought what the different masks are called. Needless to say, I enjoyed this post very much!
I’ve always wanted to go to Venice at that time of the year but I’ really scared of the amount of people and the raise of the prices for the occasion. My brother visited a couple months ago and brought back a mask. thanks to your article, I now know that it is more than just a mask, it is a Volto !
Amazing….. I always wanted to go to Venice for the film festival. Now I have to rethink my timing! I would want to bring a costume as well and attend a party or two..
Such gorgeous photos! The Venetian carnival has always fascinated me.The masks and costumes are works of art and I’d love to experience it all first hand. Hopefully, i can make that happen soon 😀
It looks like it was everything you were hoping it would be, and also me as well! This looks awesome!
Everyone looks so beautiful and mysterious! I’ve never been but I love “dressing up” so I know I would love it. Loved reading about all the different types of masks. I didn’t know that there were so many different kinds!
This looks like such an amazing experience and love your pictures. They remind me that I have to go to Venice for this festival one day.
I am from New Orleans, so have done Carnival there a few times (at least..), I have been to Brazil for Carnival, and now I live in the only place in Germany which celebrates Carnival in a big a way (Cologne region). So I have my Carnival experiences but had NO IDEA that Venetian Carnival was a thing! From your photos, it looks like it would also be my favorite! I have made a note to look into going there next year for the Carnival! Thanks!
Great post! I was in Venice in January, so, unfortunately, before carnival. But it was fun to window shop for costumes and masks. My favorite Venetian pastry would be the fritelle. 🙂
Buon viaggio!
C
We have visited Venice but not the carnival. I would definitely love to see it. I love all the costumes and masks. Have you been to Germany during the carnival. That is fun too. Great pictures!
I still haven’t been to Venice but would love to go during this carnival. It looks like so much fun. I love the costumes!
These pictures are very inspirational and beautiful. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Oh 🙂 I once went to Venetian mascarade style party. But… I didn’t hear the word Venetian. Went there dressed as a Viking.