Carnival in Venice 2020 Schedule

Everything you need to know for the Venice Carnival 2020 - What to see, where to go, where to stay + a list of events!

If you've ever visited Venice then you would have noticed the endless mask shops that line the narrow calle, and there's good reason for it. The Venetian Carnival is the famous annual festival known for its parades on the water, incredible costumes, elaborate masks, Venetian street food and a wide range of events. It's a time when tradition, culture and entertainment blend together into an incredible few weeks in the famous watery city. The carnival draws larger and larger crowds each passing year, and the streets are packed with tourists, locals and entertainers alike.

Finding your way around Venice can be a bit tricky, but understanding what to see and where to go during Carnival time is even trickier! Luckily for you, HostelsClub has drawn up a schedule of the 2020 Carnival, so you can make sure you don't miss a thing. After all, our offices are right in the city centre near the Rialto Bridge, so who better to give you some insider tips? Of course, we've also got the best places for you to stay while sticking to a budget, just make sure you book as early as possible in order to save some cash.

First off, a little history of the Carnival, so you know what it's all about. The carnival itself is said to date back to 1162, when people gathered in St Marks square to dance in honour of the victory of the Republic of Venice against the Patriarch of Aquileia, and later the festival became official in the Rennaisance period. The festival grew in popularity, especially during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth centuries, and it became a time dedicated to the mixing of social classes, where typical barriers were broken down and mischievous behaviour was common, all of course, under the cover of a mask.

Sadly, the Carnival was outlawed in 1797 and the wearing of masked was banned. In 1979 the local government decided it was high time to introduce it again as a means of bringing back some history and culture to the famous Italian city. Nowadays, its an intensely busy period for the city, and a huge event attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists. In other words, it has to be seen!

So, when is the Venetian Carnival? This year carnival time runs from the February 8th to 25th 2020, with most of the main events being held across all of the days, with the most popular ones at the weekends. Either way, you can be sure to get a taste of the atmosphere whenever you visit in this period, and we have outlined the main events below.

What to see?

Grand Opening (Feb 8th 2020)

Celebrations to mark the opening of the Carnival Season begins with a parade of incredibly lit structures floating down the Rio de Cannaregio waterways, With the music, food, crowds, lights and more this is sure to be a spectacular experience to get the celebrations started!

The Festa Veneziana (Feb 9th 2020)

Perhaps one of the most important days of the Carnival, with the famous festival on the water. Beginning around 10.30, you can enjoy tradition Venetian boats and costumes as they sail up the Grand Canal.

Best Mask Costume Contest (Daily from Feb 8th to 23rd)

Held on the stage at the centre of the Carnival celebrations, in St Marks square, this event happens on a daily basis leading up the grand finale, held between Thursday the 8th and Sunday 23rd.

Festa Delle Marie (Feb 15th 2020, 2.30pm)

The Feste Delle Marie envokes the incredible story of the kidnapping and rescue of 12 brides that occurred during the time of the Doge Candiano III, and their rescue has been commemorated in this annual event ever since. This modern revival version involves a jury selecting 12 young ladies aged 18-28 from a group of 80-90 girls, who are later carried on sedans in a procession through Venice, all of course, in full traditional costumes. Later on, the final winner is chosen and crowned the 'Maria' of the year by the 'Doge' in St. Marks Square.

Flight of the Angel (Feb 16th 2020) + The Flight of the Eagle (Feb 23rd 2020)

The flight of the angel is not to be missed! The tradition is said to date back to when a 16th-century Turkish acrobat amazed Venetians by walking to the top of St Mark's bell tower on a rope that was tied to a boat in the Riva Degli Schiavoni. Get yourself to St Marks square to watch the 'angel' descends on a zip line from the top of St Mark's belltower down to the square below, to embrace the awaiting 'Doge'. The Flight of the Eagle has the same zip line set up, but a special guest makes the brave jump each year.

Official Carnival Dinner, Show and Ball - (Various dates across the carnival period)

If you really want to get involved with the Carnival atmosphere, you can attend the Offical Carnival Dinner which is held in the Ca' Vendramin Calergi Palace overlooking the Grand Canal. Here you can dress in period costumes, eat and dance the night away. There are also many other balls and dinners happening around the city such as the Mascheranda Grand Ball, but for all these kind of events, you need to buy tickets in advance.

Flight of the Lion (Feb 25th 2020, 5pm)

The flag with a Golden Lion (the symbol of Venice) will be flown over St. Marks Square to mark the end of Carnival.

Other things to see and do

Of course, while visiting Venice you have the entire city to explore! We've already written multiple guides to enjoying Venice on a budget, but if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle in the centre, take a tour of the lagoon islands such as Murano, Burano, Torcello, Lido or Giudecca to name a few. You can also visit one of Venice's historic and famous mask shops, and even book sessions to design and paint your own mask to take home with you! Of course, if the weather is good, we suggest finding a local Bacaro and sitting outside in the winter sun with a spritz in hand!

Where to stay?

Carnival time is typically the start of the tourist season in Venice, and with the floods of people coming to the city to join in the celebrations, prices in hostels and hotels are known to rise. But, we have a few tips to save you some cash. if you want to stay in Venice centre to be right in on all the action, we highly recommend booking well in advance (and we mean WELL IN ADVANCE) to make sure that you get the best prices possible. Secondly, consider staying outside the city centre - we recommend staying in the closest mainland town called Mestre, or even heading towards towns such as Padua. Both Mestre and Padua have frequent high-speed trains that will take you straight to Venice centre for just a few euro (Mestre is around a 10-minute train ride, Padua 30) so you will be in St Marks square getting into the swing of things in no time, with a bit more cash in your pocket too.

Hostels and Hotels in Venice

Ai Boteri: Great central location, perfect for if you want to be right in the Carnival action

Casa Rosetta for Backpackers: with a range of dorms and private rooms and a great location not far from the train station

Generator Venice: from the trustworthy Generator chain, this Hostel based on the Giudecca island is perfect if you want to meet other backpackers

For the full list of cheap hostels and Hotels in Venice, click here.

Hostels and Hotels in Mestre

A&O Venezia Mestre - A large property with a great quality/price ration, right next to the train station.

Hotel and Hostel Colombo for Backpackers

Anda Venice: a brand new huge hostel with tons of communal spaces and cooking areas, great if you are looking to save some cash

Check out our complete least of cheap hostels and Hotels in Mestre, click here.

Hostels Hotels in Padua

Casa a Colori - Great value for money with free parking and wifi.

Piccolo Hotel Vittoria - In the historic centre, and offers guests discount's in its family restaurant and wine bar during your stay.

Loft Padova BnB - A great, cosy and social environment, we just love the design!

For a full list of budget hostels and hotels in Padua, click here.

What are you waiting for? It's time to book and put on your mask!