Once upon a Carnival

Piazza San Marco remains the vibrant heart of Venice’s Carnival, drawing thousands of visitors in elaborate masks and costumes who parade, pose for photos, and compete in the Most Beautiful Mask contest. The wooden stage in the square, decorated this year with Olympus-inspired motifs, hosts many of the festival’s most iconic events. Among the highlights is the historic Festa delle Marie on February 7, when twelve young women arrive by boat along the Grand Canal before presenting themselves to the public in splendid period dress. The winning Maria will be crowned on Mardi Gras, February 17.

The tradition dates to the 10th century, recalling the rescue of kidnapped brides and the establishment of a yearly celebration honouring them. On Fat Thursday, the stage becomes the setting for the playful re-enactment of the “Beheading of the Bull,” symbolizing the 1162 victory of Doge Vitale Michiel II over rebellious feudal lords, now performed humorously with no real animals involved. Another key event is the Carnival of Traditions on February 16, when delegations from across Italy fill the square with regional masks, music, and dances, offering a colourful journey through the country’s diverse folklore.