Venice Carnival 2010 – Events from 6-16 February

The annual Carnivale di Venezia takes place this year from 6-16 February, kicking off with an opening concert (classical) on the evening of 5 February at Ca’Rezzonico.

Get into the Venice Carnival spirit, and the spirit of Vivaldi, with these fine examples of masks while listening to a beautiful rendition of Vivaldi’s ‘Rain’:

The main theme of this year’s event will be centred around ‘Fire’ – The Carnival of Fire and Colours (Carnevale di Fuoco e Colori).  The peviously successful format, ‘Sensation: 6 Senses for 6 Districts’  (6 sensi per 6 sestieri) will continue.  The six main sestiere (districts) of Venice each have their own spin on the events, focusing on one of the six senses.  
 
Events will continue every day during Carnival (with the exception of Monday, 8 February).  They include: Masked balls (including Casanova’s Ball), elegant dinner dances, cocktail parties, gondola tours and serenades, candle-lit palazzos, the angel flight, parades, street performers, costume contests, and much more.  The flight of the angel of the carnival (Vollo dell’Angelo) is always a big attraction on the first Sunday at noon, as a guest star in angel costume descends from the Bell Tower into St. Mark’s Square, followed by the Doge and Dogaressa’s historic parade.

If you are worried about the cost, St. Mark’s Square will be the focal point - with plenty of free events for those unable to spring for entrance fees to many grand events.  Tango nights in St. Mark’s Square sound like fun, and are free (including St. Valentine’s Day, 14 February).  The Carnival winds down with an array of glamourous events and a free bash in St. Mark’s Square on Shrove Tuesday, February16. 

Why not grab your own mask and Bellini and join in the fun as masked revellers take over the City of Light (be sensitive to the fact that masks are not permitted in many churches).  As with all carnivals, Venice Carnival is a major attraction for those who love to dress up and pose – so don’t forget your camera.  The mask-phobic may not find the event quite so attractive, but the upside is you never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with!

Prices for the events range from free to pretty pricey.  Some events are already showing as sold out, so start planning your trip and book your tickets soon.  Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance – for an instant quote click here.  For more information about Venice Carnival click here.