18 Pictures Of The Venice Carnival That Will Make You Wish You Were There

A grand celebration of culture and beauty reminiscent of the harlequin Italian Renaissance transforms Venice this month. Get a glimpse of the beautiful festival here!

The Venice Carnival celebrates pleasure and debauchery, but its main attraction and element are the elaborate Venetian masks worn to the festival. All this while they’re wearing just the most entralling get-ups not to mention distinctive masks that have gone on to represent the festival worldwide. Take a look at some of the most incredible photographs from this year’s edition of the Carnivale di Venezia.

1. What initially started as a protest celebration against the Patriarch of Aquileia, the festival is very well known for people who assemble in large unions and celebrate with music and dance. 

(Source: timmannakee.com)

2. As a pre-lenten festival, people of the city of Venice take great pride and pains to dress themselves in 18th century costumes and masks and roam the city.

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

3. The Carnival of Venice is one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in the world. 

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

4. Photographers and revellers from all over the world come together in Venice for this festival.

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

5. A grand show of culture and extravagant beauty, there’s much to discover during this time in Venice. 

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

6. Much like Mardi Gras, the Carnival of Venice is a massive and grand celebration that takes place before the celebration of Lent. 

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

7. Adding to the mysterious and eerie charm of the festival, the masked people adopt strange alter-egos without being afraid of what society will say.

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

8. It may be a tradition dating back to the 11th century but masks had to be lifted upon police request at this year’s edition.

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

9. The immaculate costumes are the biggest highlights of the fiesta. 

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)

10. During the festival, there’s  live music, dancing and a visual spectacle of masks as well  as the Notte  de  la  Taranta event and fireworks.

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)

11. The most revered of the events is the official opening of Carnival at St. Mark’s Square, which is the center of most festivities.

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)

12. The festivities include costume competitions and much more. 

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)

13. The ten-day party’s grand finale is the Notte de la Taranta (Night of the Tarantula) with a massive fireworks show at midnight.

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)

14. This can definitely be one of the most romantic of getaways if you make the trip with your SO. 

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

15. The nights are alight with fireworks and colours during the festival.

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

16. This is the perfect time of the year to experience the liveliness and grandeur of Italy. 

(Source: Awakening/Getty Images)

17. The cozy ethnicity of Venice is highlighted during the festival. 

(Source: AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

18. Make your way to Venice next year to witness the beauty. 

(Source: venice-carnival-italy.com)