BACKGROUND
This famous festival is a great excuse to don a mask and costume, parade around the city and enjoy the live music in the main squares of the city. It was first held in Venice in the 11th century as a huge two month party, but fell into decline in the 18th century.
BASICS
The Venice Tourism Board brought it back in the 1970s and it’s since gone from strength to strength.
MORE
As in the past, private parties and masquerade balls still happen behind the scenes today, inside Venice’s grand noble palaces. You can rent historical and elaborate costumes from lots of places in the city, so you’ve no excuse not to dress up!