In 2025, the Venice Carnival took place from February 15 to March 4. The origins of this festival date back to 1094. This centuries-old tradition was revived in its current form in 1979.
In German-speaking countries, Carnival is often celebrated with copious amounts of alcohol, sometimes loud singing, and large parades. In Venice, however, the festival is quite different. This year's parade on the Grand Canal took place on February 16. It always begins at 11:00 a.m. at Punta della Dogana and continues along the Grand Canal to Campo Erbaria.
At the head of this water parade sits the famous papier-mâché figure "Pantegana." This Venetian word means rat. Near the Rialto Bridge, the giant rat explodes, releasing numerous balloons and confetti into the air.
Many magnificent and elaborately designed masks are a typical feature of the Carnival of Venice.
The 2026 Carnival will begin on February 7 and end on February 17.
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Whenever I find myself in Venice, I am captivated by the journey across the water from Mestre to Santa Lucia. When the conditions are favourable and the weather pleasant, I enjoy stopping by the Hotel Danieli. They serve a superb brunch on Sundays, yet the rooftop terrace remains somewhat of a hidden gem. From this vantage point, one can enjoy stunning vistas of the Grand Canal and witness the sun dip below the horizon while savouring a romantic dinner.
Izabela
Newrest-Nightjet Team
Carnival parade
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the traditional Carnival parade (corteo acqueo) took place on the Grand Canal. At approximately 11:00 a.m., a carnival procession set off from Punta della Dogana, a truly unique event. Around 100 colorfully decorated rowboats sailed toward Rialto. The procession was led by the "Pantegana" (rat), which dissolved under the Rialto Bridge in a shower of confetti and balloons. The procession culminated in a lively celebration in the Erbaria.
The Carnival's glamorous official dinner show was hosted in one of the city's most magnificent palaces, the Ca' Vendramin Calergi. The evening was reserved exclusively for guests dressed in period costumes.
The goal was to recreate the era of Casanova. The dinner was prepared by the chefs of the Wagner Restaurant.
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Fantastic faces
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with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
with the OBB nightjet to the Venetian Carnival
Magnificent masks
Casanova's Time (Il tempo di Casanova)
Chapter 1: Comets
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Chapter 2: Your life
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Chapter 3: The adventure
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Chapter 4: The traveller
In your youth, you played the violin in the theatre Goldoni directed, learning to deal with servants and nobles, senators and ambassadors.
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Chapter 5: Free spirit
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Chapter 6: Eros
One single weakness: women in men’s attire. As you have never forgotten, at that Carnival I wore a military uniform.
This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the regional tourist offices and the OBB. German proofreading and editorial: Martin Andergassen.
References
Text, videos and photos by Rudolf J. Strutz unless otherwise stated. Timetables and travel information: OBB
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