From the fourth to the twenty-first of February 2023, the most eagerly awaited event in all of Italy, and even in the world, will once again enchant the audience with a rich program full of costumes, masquerades, and amazing performance . This in itself is enough reason to visit the Venice Carnival, and even Venice itself, this February.

Venice is transformed into an open-air theater for this year’s Carnival celebration, which is dedicated to free expression and creativity. This February, the most famous carnival in Europe will return and once again present street magic to the audience. In addition to street performances, this year the audience can also expect a performance on the water, as well as floating parades. This year’s theme of the Carnival in Venice is “Take time for the Original Signs”, where the symbols of water, fire, air and earth will be transformed, from their original meanings, through creativity into a unique and imperfect sign, which is the expression of a human. For more than two weeks, Venice becomes a meeting place of creativity, uniqueness and freedom of expression, where each participant will have the opportunity to respond to the theme in their own manner through their costume and performance, and every visitor is guaranteed with fun and an extraordinary experience. The artistic baton went this year to Massimo Caquet, artistic director and set designer of the La Fenice theater in Venice. He designed two-week activities and performances, both outdoors and indoors, that will bring a smile to every visitor’s face and admiration in their eyes.

The theme of this year’s carnival is inspired by the signs of the constellations and the ancient signs that describe the Carnival of Venice. It can be said that this year’s theme deals with the history of ourselves and celebrates human existence by driving it with energy from the cosmos. Considering that the Venice Carnival has existed for more than 800 years and that it cherishes the tradition and history of the city and its people, this theme seems like an ideal choice. Looking back to the past, the theme of this year’s Carnival in Venice wants to provide visitors with an unusual performance and entertainment, as well as invite visitors and participants to participate in the free expression of their creativity, as a self-affirmation of their identity. Venetian masks are what this carnival is known for, in addition to the fantastic program of course. Masks are of great importance to the Venetians and are worn at Carnival so that everyone is unrecognizable and can behave more freely than usual. Also under the masks everyone would be hidden and could indulge in vices and escape from reality at least for a moment.

The opening of the Carnival begins on the fourth of February at the canyon, where a floating performance will traditionally open this Carnival with a parade that will show visitors the ancient symbols of this carnival prepared by colorists and artists, as well as other performers. In addition to this spectacular opening, which includes music, fireworks, fire and dance, visitors can expect many interesting activities and attractions scheduled for this day, such as a visit to the famous workshop for making Venetian masks, Ca’ Macana, various street performances that are present throughout city, which you can meet at every step and enjoy their phenomenal rhythm. Everything you thought this Carnival entailed, you’re right, and even more. In addition to the breathtaking costumes and attractive activities that Venice has prepared for its visitors, you will also have the opportunity to attend lectures and concerts held in lavish city palaces throughout Venice.

Carnival in Venice is a traditional event that takes place every year, and the timing of the carnival itself is directly related to the dates of the church calendar. The carnival ends every year 40 days before Easter, on the Martedi Grasso holiday. This holiday marks the forgiveness that Christian penitents receive from the priest, in order to get rid of all evil before Easter.

If you have been wondering whether to visit Venice, we think that Carnival is the ideal period when you should do it. And if you already have, a one more trip during Carnival will please you and your soul.