Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. As its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, Carnival varies each year but typically falls in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2025? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the last 2 weeks of February and in some cases in March as well.
Carnival is a time of joy, festivities, and indulgence before the solemn period of Lent begins. It's an opportunity for people to come together, express creativity through costumes and masks, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that characterises this annual celebration in Italy. These are our picks of the top 4 places to go in Italy for Carnival in 2025!
Where is the best place to celebrate Carnival in Italy?
Italy’s Carnival, or Carnevale, is one of the most spectacular and lively celebrations in the world, blending centuries-old traditions with dazzling parades, elaborate masks, and vibrant street performances. Italy boasts a wide variety of unforgettable Carnival experiences: these are our recommendations of the best places to celebrate Carnival in Italy.
Carnival of Venice, Veneto
Venice is world-famous for its enchanting Carnival, a celebration of elegance, mystery, and tradition. Dating back to the 11th century and flourishing during the Renaissance, Carnevale di Venezia is best known for its elaborate masks, which once allowed Venetians to conceal their identities and revel in social freedom.
The 2025 Venice Carnival runs from 14th February until 4th March, bringing grand masquerade balls in historic palaces, dazzling parades, and lively street performances. The city comes alive with extravagant costumes, traditional music, and an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. This year, the theme is "The Time of Casanova," as the city celebrates the 300th anniversary of Giacomo Casanova’s birth. The events scheduled will take place both in the lagoon and in many locations on the mainland.
No celebration is complete without indulging in seasonal treats like frittelle, soft fried dough balls, and galani, crispy pastries dusted with sugar—sweet delights that make the Carnival experience even more unforgettable.
- Dates: 14th February - 4th March 2025
- Website: www.carnevale.venezia.it
Carnival of Cento, Ferrara
The Carnival of Cento, held in the Emilia-Romagna town of Cento, is a vibrant celebration known for its lively parades and unique traditions. Though less famous than some Italian carnivals, it has long been recognised as one of Europe’s best.
A highlight of the festival is its allegorical floats—large, intricately designed vehicles often featuring satirical themes that bring a playful, theatrical energy to the streets.
No celebration is complete without local treats like castagnole, bite-sized fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. Made with flour, eggs, vanilla, milk, and lemon zest, they capture the sweet essence of this festive event.
- Dates: 16th February - 16th March 2025
- Website: www.carnevalecento.com
Carnival of Viareggio, Lucca
The Carnival of Viareggio, held in Tuscany’s coastal town, is one of Italy’s most renowned celebrations. Famous for its colossal, intricate paper-mâché floats, the carnival showcases a lively, artistic atmosphere with satirical themes that add a humorous touch to the festivities.
Beyond the parades, the carnival also features masked balls and parties, where revelers don creative costumes and enjoy music, dancing, and entertainment.
To complete the experience, visitors can indulge in traditional treats like frittelle, small fried doughnuts, and cenci—crispy, sweet egg pasta fried or baked, made with flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and a splash of brandy.
- Dates: 9th February to 4th March 2025
- Website: www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com
Carnival of Putignano, Apulia
The Carnival of Putignano, one of Italy’s oldest and longest-running celebrations, takes place in the town of Putignano, near Bari in Apulia. With origins dating back to the Middle Ages, this vibrant event is known for its lively atmosphere, colourful costumes, and traditional masks, making it a key cultural highlight of the region.
The carnival is famous for its mascarieddi—intricate, brightly coloured masks worn by participants, who dress as everything from historical figures to whimsical characters.
As with most Italian festivals, food is an integral part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional treats like frappe (fried dough pastries) and pettole (small fried dough balls), along with farinella—a sweet made from chickpea flour, barley flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and a hint of orange, lemon, and cinnamon.
- Dates: 16th February to 4th March 2025
- Website: www.carnevalediputignano.com
Why is "carnevale" celebrated in Italy?
Carnivale (or Carnival) is celebrated in Italy as a festive season before Lent, the period of fasting and penance in the Catholic calendar. The celebration is a way for people to enjoy indulgence and revelry before the more austere and reflective 40 days of Lent begin. It has its roots in ancient Roman times, where people would hold feasts and parties before the start of Lent. Over the centuries, Carnevale became associated with masquerades, parades, and theatrical performances.
What is the biggest carnival in Italy?
The biggest and most famous Carnival in Italy is the Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia). Known for its stunning masks (maschere), elaborate costumes, and grand masquerade balls, the Venice Carnival attracts visitors from all over the world.
As mentioned, it dates back to the 11th century and was revived in the late 20th century, now featuring parades, theatrical performances, historical reenactments, and gondola processions. The highlight is the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo), where a performer descends gracefully from the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica.
What food is eaten at "Carnevale"?
During Carnival in Italy, food plays a big part in the celebrations, with various regions having their own traditional treats. Some of the most popular foods include:
- Frittelle – These are fried pastries, often filled with cream, ricotta, or custard. They are particularly popular in Venice.
- Chiacchiere (or Crostoli) – Light, crispy fried dough strips dusted with powdered sugar. They are common in many regions of Italy, including Lombardy, Tuscany, and Naples. In some areas, they are also called crostoli.
- Bugie – Similar to chiacchiere, these are light, fried dough pastries, often found in the Piedmont and Liguria regions.
- Castagnole – Small, round fritters typically filled with either custard or ricotta, and covered in powdered sugar or honey. They are often enjoyed in central Italy.
- Zeppole – Fried dough balls, sometimes filled with custard or sweet ricotta, often topped with powdered sugar or honey. They're especially popular in southern Italy.
- Sanguinaccio – A rich chocolate and blood sausage pudding, traditionally eaten in Naples during Carnevale.
These treats are designed to be indulgent and rich, offering a bit of decadence before the fasting of Lent begins.