The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia; Venetian: Carneval de Venèsia) is an annual festival celebrated in Venice, Italy. It is renowned worldwide for its elaborate costumes and masks. The Carnival concludes on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso or Mardi Gras), which is the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. The origins of the Carnival date back to the Middle Ages, and it continued for several centuries until it was abolished in 1797. The tradition was revived in 1979, and today, the modern event attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year. Piazza San Marco, the most elegant living room of Venice, is ready to become the heart of magic and joy during #CarnevaleVenezia2025, hosting performances and shows that will enliven the first weekend of festivities! The stage, adorned with details inspired by this year’s theme, “The Time of Casanova“, will feature a schedule of events designed to captivate both adults and children, starting with the grand opening event on February 14th, 2025, dedicated to LOVE: Heart to Heart.
Embark on a captivating journey through time, filled with seduction, passion, and intrigue. An unforgettable night awaits you at the Carnival Official Dinner Show, inspired by the romantic allure of 18th-century Venice, where it’s often hard to distinguish between dream and reality.
The stunning venue of Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, overlooking the Grand Canal, will host the Carnival Official Dinner Show on the evenings of February 22 and 23, as well as from February 27 to March 4. This event will feature magnificent costumes and unforgettable performances, which are essential elements of the experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in your innermost desires at the dinner table and embrace a more liberated side of yourself for one night.
The Carnival Official Dinner Show is an immersive experience that celebrates the joy of living and passion. As you ascend the iconic staircase of the Venetian palace, you will be transported back to the 18th century, the era of Casanova, enhanced by stunning light displays, thematic sounds, and captivating performances.
Prepare to be charmed by mystery and delighted by the unexpected. Experience the magic of Casanova.
Dress Code: Masks are required, and historical or themed costumes are mandatory; evening gowns or tuxedos are not permitted. The Dinner Show takes place at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi on February 22nd and 23rd, and then from February 27th to March 4th, 2025. Period or themed costume is mandatory; evening dresses or tuxedos are not permitted. How to Purchase Tickets? Purchase online here. Or purchase at Venezia Unica sales points: Piazza San Marco, Rialto, Ferrovia, Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Lido, Mestre via Lazzari 32, Marco Polo Airport, Dolo, and Sottomarina.
The Festa delle Marie - Grand Canal
On Saturday, February 22nd 2025, starting at 3:30 PM, don’t miss the water parade of gondolas showcasing the 12 lucky girls selected for the Festa delle Marie as they glide along the Grand Canal from Santa Sofia to St. Mark’s Square! As per tradition, at the end of the water parade, the 12 Marie will disembark in the small square to be escorted by the Dogal procession of the Consorzio Europeo Rievocazioni Storiche, with the Serenisimo Tribunal de inquisition, Cavalieri del Drago, Compagnia d’Arme Città del Grifoand the Compagnia di Chiarine, Tamburi e Sbandieratori della Contrada S. Giovanni di Noale, all the way to the stage in St. Mark’s Square.
“Il Carnevale del Gusto” is back for its 4th edition! Created by Veneziaeventi and Dr. Fabio Busetto, Carnevale del Gusto aims to promote and introduce quality food and wine to all tourists who will come to the Carnevale di Venezia this year. This year, in homage to the famous Giacomo Casanova, the culinary theme will focus on sweet and delicious ingredients: sugar, chocolate, coffee, eggs, truffles and oysters. The restaurants and bacari that will participate in the initiative will offer, on the indicated days, a dish, a cicchetto and a cocktail dedicated to the #CarnevaleVenezia2025 giving life to a real creative gastronomic experience that will celebrate this extraordinary Venetian tradition. Veneziaeventi will publish the list of participating venues, complete with photos and prices, so you can discover and savor dishes, cicchetti, and cocktails specially created for the event. Payment is made directly at the venue.
The Algiubagio Restaurant presents an exclusive creation by Chef Daniele Zennaro: the Maccheroncini Casanova. Inspired by a trip to Parma, Zennaro pays homage to Casanova, awarded the title of 'Prince of Maccheroni'. A unique taste experience, available for tasting from 14 February to 4 March 2025 at the price of €26.
Macaroni di Casanova
Ingredients:
12 oz. paccheri pasta; 8 oz. capon breast (or chicken); 5 oz. fresh cream; 5 oz. pork loin; 3 oz. cooked ham; ⅔ stick butter; 3 large egg yolks; 1 shallot; beef broth; sage; rosemary; cinnamon powder; peanut oil; salt and pepper
Preparation:
Chop the shallot. Chop the chicken and pork. Heat the butter in a wide pan and wilt the chopped shallot with 1 sprig each of sage and rosemary for 1 minute. Add the minced meat and the diced ham, and brown over high heat for 10 minutes, stirring. Combine 1½ qt. Each of beef broth and water, and bring to a boil. Add salt and cook the paccheri until al dente. Mix the cream with the egg yolks, a pinch of salt, a minced one of pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Drain the paccheri and place in the pan with meat, then add the cream and egg yolk mixture.
Stir over the heat, until it takes on the consistency of a creamy sauce. Fry a handful of sage leaves in plenty of peanut oil for 1 minute, then drain on paper
from the kitchen. Distribute the paccheri into bowls, finishing each plate with some fried sage leaves and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve. Grazie alla Cucina Italiana!
The delicious, freshly baked Mammalucchi are a must-try in Venice! While it's advised not to be a "mamluk," there’s only one place to savor these unique treats: Pasticceria Targa, located at number 1050 on Ruga Rialto in the San Polo district. The shop is run by brothers Alessandro and Marco Rizzetto, who created these irresistible desserts. During Carnival in Venice, it’s traditional to enjoy pancakes and Galani; however, at this pastry shop, there’s a special secret for those seeking something different: the Mammalucchi. Born in 1989, their name comes from a Turkish word that, in the Venetian dialect, refers to a somewhat foolish individual. Legend has it that a pastry chef, while preparing the dough for pancakes, made a mistake and lamented, "What a madman I was!" This moment led to the creation of the secret Mammalucchi recipe, which has been carefully guarded and passed down by the Rizzetto brothers. Marco Rizzetto also refers to the Mammalucchi as the famous "wrong pancake." They were recently introduced also at Pasticceria Bonifacio on Calle degli Albanesi, where an old pastry chef had previously worked before inventing this delightful treat. But be careful: the Mammalucchi are available only during Carnival. Don’t miss your chance to try them—hurry and indulge; they are truly a delight!
Write a comment