The Venice Carnival 2027 runs from Saturday 23 January to Tuesday 9 February 2027, Shrove Tuesday, according to the official Carnival website; the next day, Ash Wednesday, Lent begins and the city returns to its winter calm. If you are planning a trip to Venice, Italy for the Carnival, a few practical choices make the difference between a crowded day and a memorable one.
What happens during the Venice Carnival?
The official program is published on the Carnival website and changes every year, so check it for event times, ticketed shows and any changes. Alongside the scheduled events, much of the Carnival happens in the streets: people in costume pose in the campi, families walk with children in masks, and the atmosphere changes from one sestiere to the next.
Among the traditions presented by the organizers is the Festa delle Marie. It recalls the story of twelve Venetian girls kidnapped by pirates during a celebration at San Pietro di Castello and freed thanks to the pursuit ordered by Doge Pietro Candiano III. The festival was revived in 1999 and is now one of the recurring moments of the Carnival.
How do you avoid the Carnival crowds?
- Plan your must-see visits on weekdays. Weekends tend to be busier around St Mark’s Square.
- Start early. The city is quiet in the first hours of the morning, even in Carnival weeks.
- Book timed tickets ahead for St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace; Basilica tickets are non-refundable, and the dress code (shoulders and knees covered) applies even if you are in costume.
- Leave St Mark’s area in the afternoon and explore Cannaregio, Castello or Dorsoduro, where the Carnival feels more local.
- Remember that in 2027 the day-visitor access fee calendar starts on 26 March, so it does not apply during the Carnival.
What about high water in Carnival season?
Late January and February can still bring acqua alta. In 2026, the MOSE barriers were raised 18 times between 28 January and 11 February, and the raised walkways were not set up in many areas during the Carnival. Pack waterproof shoes, check the City of Venice tide forecast every morning and keep your plans flexible.
How can a private guide help in Carnival weeks?
A private tour lets you choose your rhythm: early starts, quieter routes, and indoor visits when the squares fill up. Ca’ Rezzonico, the Museum of 18th-century Venice, is a natural choice in Carnival time, as it shows how the patrician families lived in the century of Goldoni, Tiepolo and Casanova. We check openings and suggest the right days when we prepare your tour.
Official information: Venice Carnival, Musei Civici di Venezia.
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