Venice and Viareggio, the capitals of Carnival in Italy

The months of February and March, by tradition, bring with them the Carnival, one of the most enjoyable and popular festivals for both adults and children. Many Italian cities dress up in celebration during this time, filling the streets with colourful floats, masks, and streamers.

The Carnival parades, the cheerful and lively atmosphere and the culinary specialities of the most diverse traditions are what make this party special. Among the many famous locations for the celebrations, there are two Carnival queens in Italy: Venice and Viareggio, where unmissable shows and events for all ages are staged every year.

Carnival 2025 is upon us! Discover the surprises that Venice and Viareggio have in store for you.

When is Carnival celebrated in 2025?

When does Carnival 2025 start? According to tradition, this celebration begins on the Sunday of Septuagesima, which in the Catholic Church marks the start of the Carnival season, and this year it falls on 16 February. The celebration concludes with Shrove Tuesday, which takes place forty days before Easter and is set for 4 March 2025. 

This applies to many parts of Italy, including Venice and Viareggio, but not to Milan: the Lombard capital celebrates according to the Ambrosian rite, which sees Carnival conclude a few days later than the rest of Italy, on Shrove Saturday. This date, the most anticipated of the Milanese Carnival, will fall on 8 March 2025. 

Carnival of Venice 2025: dates and programme

The Carnival of Venice is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the city: the 2025 edition coincides with the 300th anniversary of the birth of the famous adventurer and writer Giacomo Casanova and is titled Il tempo di Casanova. 

The opening night is scheduled for 14 February, with a special Valentine's Day event that will liven up Piazza San Marco, but the official start of the celebrations is set for 16 February: the first Sunday of Carnival coincides with the Venetian Festival, where the highly anticipated water parade of traditional boats can be admired. 

Around a hundred rowboats, manned by masked rowers, will parade from Punta della Dogana to the Rialto area, where a colourful choreography will envelop the famous Bridge before the grand celebration. In the three weeks that follow, numerous events will bring to life the authentic Venetian Carnival experience.

The Carnival Street Show, the emotions of street art

The Carnival Street Show is one of the most anticipated events of the Carnival of Venice: the streets of the city become the scene of parties and shows with music, juggling, dance and much more. 100 companies and 200 artists are expected, for a total of over 1,000 shows involving all age groups.

And that's not all: in the most iconic locations of the city, the Venezia, or the art of comedy, returns, curated by the Pantakin Company. This event features comedians of the art from national and international troupes.

Arsenale Water Show, in the name of Casanova

After the success of the three previous editions, the Arsenale Water Show returns in 2025: a grand performance lasting about 30 minutes that will be repeated on several dates and will tell the story of Giacomo Casanova.

Among dancing fountains, lights, and videos, this incredible set design will transport you to 18th-century Venice, where the famous adventurer lived: it is not a traditional historical narrative, but a captivating series of images and scenes exploring Casanova through the perspective of Henriette, the only woman he ever loved. To find out all the information and the updated programme, you can consult the official website of the Carnival of Venice.

If you want to experience the magic of this event firsthand, you could book a room at Maison Venezia | UNA Esperienze: here, you will be the protagonist of an authentic Venetian stay, filled with comfort and elegance. The property, which offers 28 finely furnished rooms, is located within a prestigious restored building in the heart of Cannaregio, one of the most characteristic districts of the city.

Discovering the Carnival of Viareggio 2025

When talking about where to go for Carnival, the Carnival of Viareggio must be mentioned: as famous as the Carnival of Venice, it will take place from 8 February to 4 March 2025. The highlight of the Versilian version is the Corsi Mascherati, the parades of floats that come to life near the evocative seafront of Viareggio.  

These floats are truly gigantic works that the various artists work on throughout the year and that attract tourists from all over. There are six Corsi, each with its own dedicated parade: the first night parade will begin on 8 February at 5:00 PM and will be followed by a fireworks display.

You can admire the parades from the second to the fifth on 16, 22, 27 February, and 2 March, respectively, while the final parade will take place on 4 March at 3:00 PM. The day will end with the proclamation of the winners and a fireworks display that will close the Carnival.

Tickets for the Carnival of Viareggio 2025

To admire the wagons and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere, you must buy tickets, available both online and at specific physical points. There are many pricing options, ranging from tickets for a single Corso Mascherato (€22 for adults and €16.50 for children) to a full subscription to enjoy all the parades. 

Additionally, there is the option to pay a special supplement to enjoy the show from a designated grandstand.

The Citadel and the Carnival Museum

The Carnival of Viareggio is much more than just a party: it is a real world to discover. The Tuscan city is deeply linked to this celebration, which remains alive throughout the year through exhibitions and initiatives and is awaited with great trepidation. Don't miss the chance to make your stay even more special by visiting the Carnival Citadel and the Carnival Museum. 

The Citadel of the Carnival of Viareggio is the large theme park dedicated to the history and culture of this festival. Even today, it is here that the renowned artisans build the floats that are the stars of the February-March parades.

Inaugurated on 15 December 2001, it is a place where the atmosphere of the Carnival is constantly felt and is accessible year-round: here, you will also find the Carnival Lab Academy, educational workshops dedicated to papier-mâché, and a bistro.

And then there is the museum dedicated to the history of the Carnival, accessible via Piazza della Cittadella: here, you will find the statue of Burlamacco, the mask of the Viareggio Carnival and the symbol of the city. The museum consists of a permanent exhibition, where you can discover the history and the long-standing connection between the Carnival and Viareggio, and the Espace Gilbert, where each year, the most characteristic elements of the floats that parade are collected.

Hotel for the Carnival of Viareggio

If you have chosen to spend Carnival in Viareggio, near the city, you will find a beautiful accommodation establishment ready to welcome you: the Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze, an elegant hotel located in Lido di Camaiore overlooking the Versilian coastline. 

Ideal for every season, the Versilia Lido offers various prestigious services, including a well-equipped spa and wellness centre: here, you will find a heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and emotional showers. A true wellness journey to help you unwind and rejuvenate. 

And that's not all: lovers of local cuisine will find delicious dishes from the Versilian tradition at the Versilia Garden Bar & Restaurant. A bright and modern setting awaits you, where you can enjoy the refined offerings of the chef. 

Carnival 2025 is the perfect opportunity to have fun and discover the traditions that have characterised this holiday celebrated throughout Italy for years. Venice and Viareggio, the queens of this celebration, with their special and colourful atmosphere, will undoubtedly amaze you.