What’s on in Venice

Carnival of Venice

3 — 13 February 2024

Centred on San Marco's Square

Originating in the 12th-century, the Carnival of Venice is one of the world's most famous festivals, and fills the whole city with musicians, acrobats, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, beautiful masks, elaborate costumes, and parades. People come from around the world to participate in masked balls and general festivities in the ancient Venetian tradition, and to enjoy theatrical performances, exhibitions and concerts along the canals, squares and the magnificent palaces of the city. The Carnival begins 14 days before Ash Wednesday and culminates in Mardi Gras on Shrove Tuesday. Carnival traditions are the same, but every year the theme is different. Masks are central to the Venetian celebrations, and although the reason they were originally worn is not certain, some historians argue that being in disguise allowed class distinctions to dissolve; the thrill of anonymity still plays a big role in the mystique of carnival. One of the biggest parties in the world, Carnival is a special time in Venice and the romance of the festival never seems to fade.

Website www.carnevale.venezia.it

Festa del Redentore (Feast Day of the Redeemer)

20 — 21 July 2024

Giudecca Canal and St. Mark's Basin

One of Venice's most important religious festivals, the Feast Day of The Redeemer (Il Redentore) is also one of the most traditional. The festival dates back to 1576 in commemoration of the end of the plague that wiped out a third of the city's population. The Church of the Redentore was built on Giudecca Island, and a promise was made by the Doge to lead a procession of thanksgiving every year to the church. At sunset on the third Sunday of July annually the waterways are filled with hundreds of brightly lit and decorated boats, while the banks of the canal are lined with crowds of people celebrating, feasting and dancing. The highlight is the tremendous fireworks display accompanied by music, considered by many to be one of the most spectacular in the world. Regattas, rowing competitions, and special services in the Redentore Church (reached via the boat bridge) also form part of the festivities. Venice is great at spectacle and this religious festival is also a big party and a visual extravaganza.

Venice Film Festival

28 August — 7 September 2024

Lido

The Venice Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica di Venezia) was founded in 1932 and is the oldest film festival in the world as well as one of the most prestigious and famous. The festival takes place at the end of August and beginning of September each year on the island of Lido. Screenings take place in a number of wonderful venues including the historic Palazzo del Cinema. Festival goers should take a water bus to the Lido to enjoy the presentations, mingle with the stars and catch sneak previews of some of the top films of the forthcoming year. It's best to book accommodation and cinema tickets early as the Venice Film Festival is extremely popular and this is a busy period to visit the city.

The Venice Film Festival is part of the Venice Biennale, an extremely well-respected cultural institution, founded in 1895, which also hosts Venice's International Art Exhibition, International Architecture Exhibition, Festival of Contemporary Music, Theatre Festival, and Festival of Contemporary Dance, which all contribute to Venice's status as a hotbed of cultural activity.

Website www.labiennale.org

Venice