Venecian Carnival Tour

The history of the Venice Carnival goes far beyond the colorful and identity-hiding masks. Join us on this walking tour to learn about the medieval origins of this iconic festival.

Description

The Venice Carnival has a unique set of social codes that contribute to its status as one of the most popular celebrations in the world. This tour will explore the exact origins of the festival, which takes place annually just before Lent, starting in front of the church of San Simeon Piccolo.

We will visit the sestieri of San Polo, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro. The guided tour will take us back to the Middle Ages, when this pagan-origin festival evolved, and in the 13th century, the nobility began to dress in costume to interact with commoners. As we stroll through the narrow streets along the canals, we will discuss the significant events that cemented the celebration's popularity.

In the 18th century, the Venice Carnival reached its peak. We will visit an atelier of masks and Carnival costumes to learn about the history and the aristocrats who donned disguises to enjoy the festivities anonymously. Giacomo Casanova, known for his many affairs, notably thrived during the carnival.

After sharing anecdotes about Casanova and other notable figures, we will conclude the tour in the historic center of Venice.

Tasting

During the Venice Carnival, participants will enjoy a tasting of a typical sweet treat called a cicchetti, a small morsel typically eaten at this time.