'Fifteen days of celebration': Venice Carnival 2026 begins

St. Mark’s Square in Italy came alive as Venetians and tourists in sumptuous 18th-century gowns, gothic dresses and ornate masks launch the 2026 Carnival of Venice.

Despite patches of high water glistening across the square, crowds pose for photos, browse mask stalls and celebrate what locals call a 'magical' escape, for 15 days art, tradition and imagination take over La Serenissima. The Carnival 2026 is scheduled to run for over two weeks from Saturday to February 17.