From 31 January to 17 February 2026, Venice will once again be in the international spotlight with the 2026 edition of the Venice Carnival. An event rich in history, performances, and tradition that transforms the city into a grand stage where elegance and heritage coexist with light-heartedness and playfulness.

We would be delighted to welcome you as our guests during the Venice Carnival 2026. For special packages and exclusive offers, we invite you to keep an eye on our dedicated page.

A New and Contemporary Theme: Olympus – The Origins of the Game

The Carnival’s theme for its 2026 edition is Olympus – The Origins of the Game. It is particularly special, as it also celebrates this year’s Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics.
This concept invites us to rediscover the deeper meaning of the game, not only as competition, but also as a cultural and social force that connects art, body, and mind.

The reference to Olympus and classical mythology evokes a celebratory vision that highlights beauty, challenge, participation, and inclusionーvalues shared by both the Carnival tradition and the Olympic spirit.

The theme honors the game as a universal expression of community, competition, and harmony, while recalling ancient Venetian traditions that helped make the Carnival a grand stage for contests, acrobatics, and display of skills.

Events to Pin on Your Agenda

The official programme offers a rich selection of daily events across multiple venues, both free and ticketed. Here is a selection of the most evocative ones:

• Venice Carnival Street Show: Street performances bring Venice’s calli and campi to life from the very first day, creating a universe suspended between gods, heroes, and feats of strength, where games become challenges, creativity, and entertainment.
• Selection of the 12 Maries of the Venice Carnival 2026: The iconic ceremony choosing the “Maries,” symbols of the city’s history and tradition, is taking place at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista on Saturday, 31 January 2026 at 3:00 PM.
• Grand Carnival Ball with Bridgerton in Piazza San Marco: In collaboration with Netflix and on the occasion of the launch of the fourth season of Bridgerton, Piazza San Marco will host a romantic costume ball with a typically Venetian charm on Saturday, 31 January 2026, from 5 to 7 PM.
• Festa Veneziana – Water Parade: A spectacular procession along the Grand Canal featuring decorated boats and masks, celebrating Venice’s maritime heritage. Save the date: Sunday, 1 February 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
• Arsenale Water Show: Evening performances of light, music, and visual storytelling inspired by Olympus and the ancient games. The show The Call of Olympia runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February, and from Thursday 12 to Tuesday 17 February 2026, with performances at 6:45 PM and 9:00 PM.

Beyond public events, many guests choose to experience Carnival through exclusive masked balls, gala dinners, and private parties held in historic palaces. Unique opportunities to savour the refined and aristocratic atmosphere of Venice’s glorious past.

Tips for Visiting Venice During Carnival

Experiencing Venice during Carnival means immersing yourself in a vibrant, festive atmosphere filled with masks, elaborate costumes, and street performers throughout the city.
We recommend booking well in advance—both your hotel stay and any ticketed events—and planning carefully for the busiest days, especially weekends and Shrove Tuesday (17 February).

If possible, opt for a midweek stay to enjoy the same magical atmosphere with fewer crowds. During peak periods, the tips shared in our previous article Venice Like a Local: Practical Tips to Experience the City will also prove especially helpful.

The Venice Carnival 2026 is much more than a festival: it is a celebration of culture, history, and beauty, expressed through the universal language of playfulness and creativity.