And it couldn't be otherwise for the Venice Carnival 2026. This year will “travel” alongside the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, ideal company due to both temporal and geographical proximity. But also because, given that Carnival in recent years has been inspired in some way by historical figures (Marco Polo, Casanova), nothing better than the myths of ancient Greece to offer inspiration and spectacular elements to the great Venetian event that this year will take place from January 31st to February 17th. And that has been inserted in the official calendar of cultural events linked to the Games. Starting from the theme, Olympus – The Origins of the Game: which embodies the idea of Mount Olympus, home of the gods to whom the ancient Olympic Games were dedicated, and the mountain where the modern Olympic Games will be held. But it also encompasses the game, which itself has played a part in Venetian history and traditions. And which also plays a significant role in the very concept of Carnival.
In the name of tradition: the Water Procession, the Cutting of the Bull's Head, the Maries
I'm very the traditions those who will once again be featured in this edition of the Carnival of Venice, the eleventh and final for Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, now close to leaving the seat of Ca'Farsetti because he is at the end of his term. Starting with Water Parade that will open the festivities on Sunday 1st February with a hundred masked rowing boats. They will sail along the Grand Canal, starting from Punta della Dogana and arriving at the Rialto Bridge, followed by a grand celebration in Erbaria: music, dancing, and traditional dishes. The return of the Carnival, also linked to the history of Venice, Cutting of the Bull's Head, Thursday, February 12 on the stage in St. Mark's Square. It commemorates an event that took place in 1162: the victory of Doge Vitale Michiel II over the Patriarch of Aquileia and his twelve rebellious feudal lords. From then on, every year the patriarch had to send a bull and twelve pigs to Venice as a gift. The bull and pigs were mocked in the square in a ritual that concluded with the cutting off of the Bull's head.
The kinder one Feast of the Marys, a must-see during the Venice Carnival. This too commemorates a true historical event that occurred in 973. When, in the church of San Pietro di Castello, twelve Venetian girls were kidnapped by a group of Dalmatian pirates. After a chase organized by Doge Pietro Candiano III, the girls were freed and brought back to Venice. The twelve Maries selected this year will accompany many events throughout the entire period of the event until the Proclamation of the Maria of Carnival 2026, Monday, February 16 in the Apollonian Halls of the La Fenice Theatre.
A collective story that intertwines history, art, games and sport
The Venice Carnival 2026 has two hearts: the large stage in Piazza San Marco and the one in Piazza Ferretto in Mestre, as part of a widespread carnival that has been taking place throughout the Venetian territory for years, including the mainland and islands. early evening, in Piazza San Marco, will be the stage for the Grand Carnival Ball with BridgertonA special event held to celebrate the launch of the fourth season of Bridgerton on Netflix. The eighteen-day event, once again this year with the artistic direction by Massimo Checchetto, will see the competition for the most beautiful mask, the commedia dell'arte with the Pantakin company, night shows in the historic spaces of the Arsenale, Carnival Street with over 350 street artists, parades of allegorical floats, the Dinner Show at Ca' Vendramin Calergi, masked balls at the palace and the International Carnival of the Biennale dedicated to children. But also a rich Carnival of Culture which will involve all the cultural spaces and theatres of the city, offering music, theatre, readings, performances and shows for children.
The manifesto and that Fat Thursday of the eighteenth century, a “snapshot” by Gabriel Bella
In the name of history and ancient Venetian traditions also the manifesto of this edition. This is the reproduction of an oil on canvas by Gabriel Bella (1779–1792), courtesy of the Querini Stampalia Foundation, which has dedicated an exhibition to the artist, open until April 12. He “photographs” a Fat Thursday celebration in Piazzetta San Marco. It was the second half of the 18th century, and Venice was celebrating on the St. Mark's stage. To continue the celebrations, the complete 2026 Carnival program and all updates are available on www.carnevale.venezia.it and on the event's official social media channels.
(Photo credits: Venice Carnival press office)
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