Carnival in Venice

Carnival in Venice is one of the most famous and beautiful festivals in the world. Held annually in the breathtaking city of Venice, Italy, it is a two-week-long celebration of masks, music, and dance. 

The first documented mention of the carnival in Venice dates back to 1094. However, carnival traditions have a much older history and have their roots in pagan celebrations. It is believed that the carnival began to be held annually since 1162. In 1296, the carnival was declared a state holiday. In the Middle Ages, the carnival lasted six weeks, starting from December 26.

At that time, during the carnival, the line between the upper and lower classes was somewhat blurred. Under the cover of masks, people could afford what was unacceptable at other times. But criminals also used masks, and this was constantly fought against.


The carnival is a time of joy, celebration, and freedom, as Venetians and visitors alike shed their everyday identities and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and enchantment. Whether you’re strolling through the streets, sipping coffee in a cozy café, or dancing the night away at a masquerade ball, the carnival in Venice is an experience that will stay with you forever. Doctor of dead. The Plague Doctor mask
Traditional Venetian masks displayed at the carnival in Venice, narrows streets in Italy, Venetian architecture . The carnival offers endless possibilities for creating unique and artistic photographs, whether it’s capturing the details of a mask or the fluid movement of a costume. I love to play with angles and lighting to bring out the texture and vibrancy of the costumes and masks.
A close-up of a Venetian carnival mask with intricate details and feathers. A man wearing a traditional Venetian costume and mask holding a cane and posing for a portrait.
People wearing colorful costumes and masks at Venice Carnival.  Colorful costumes and masks of the Carnival in Venice, Italy, with people walking on a crowded street. A man in a white hat and black cloak stands in the foreground holding a red and black mask. Buildings with ornate architecture and colorful flags are visible in the background.

During the carnival, the city comes alive with bright costumes and beautiful masks worn by locals and tourists alike. The streets are filled with music, performances, and parades, while the canals are adorned with gondolas, flowers, and ribbons. 

The most famous event of the carnival is the Grand Masquerade Ball, which takes place in one of the luxurious palaces of Venice.

The Venice Carnival is held every year at the beginning of the year, with the date changing each year. The timing of the carnival depends on the day on which Easter falls. The carnival ends on the so-called “Fat Tuesday” (Martedi grasso), after which a forty-day fast before Easter begins.

 A couple wearing matching costumes and masks at Venice Carnival. Against the stunning backdrop of San Marco Square, a couple stands hand in hand, their love for each other evident in their smiles and the way they look at each other. The Columns of San Marco and San Todaro frame the couple, adding to the drama and beauty of the photo.
 performer entertaining the crowd with juggling at Venice Carnival. A close-up of a carnival costume with beaded details and intricate embroidery.

The Venice Carnival is a photographer’s dream. The vibrant colors, intricate masks, and ornate costumes create a feast for the eyes and the perfect opportunity to capture stunning portraits.

Carnival of Venice. Photographer in Venice, Italy. Yana Zotova
A person wearing a traditional plague doctor costume, characterized by a long beak-like mask, dark hooded robe, and gloves, against a backdrop of Venetian architecture. The mask is made of leather and features round eye holes and a protruding beak, historically used during the Carnival of Venice to protect against disease
Carnival of Venice. Photographer in Venice, Italy. Yana Zotova
A performer wearing a mask and costume walking on stilts during the carnival parade. A man wearing a traditional Venetian costume and mask holding a cane and posing for a portrait.
A close-up of a carnival mask with intricate details and feathers. A man in elaborate masks and costumes posing for a portrait in a Venetian alleyway.
Carnival of Venice. Photographer in Venice, Italy. Yana Zotova
A woman in a majestic costume and mask posing on a bridge over a canal in Venice. I also enjoy exploring the quieter side streets of Venice during the carnival, where I can capture intimate and romantic portraits of couples dressed in costume. These photoshoots are always a unique and unforgettable experience for both the couples and myself.
Carnival of Venice. Photographer in Venice, Italy. Yana Zotova
A colorful and lively scene depicting people wearing elaborate masks and costumes, walking along the historic streets and bridges of Venice during the Carnival celebration. Vibrant hues, intricate designs, and a festive atmosphere characterize the image.

I also love to walk the quiet streets of Venice during the carnival, where you can meet carnival masks and make carnival portraits dressed up in costumes.

A performer wearing a mask and costume walking on stilts during the carnival parade.
A carnival float adorned with colorful flowers and feathers passing through a Venetian square. I also enjoy exploring the quieter side streets of Venice during the carnival, where I can capture intimate and romantic portraits of couples dressed in costume. These photoshoots are always a unique and unforgettable experience for both the couples and myself.


The carnival is a time of joy, celebration, and freedom, as Venetians and visitors alike shed their everyday identities and immerse themselves in a world of fantasy and enchantment. Whether you’re strolling through the streets, sipping coffee in a cozy café, or dancing the night away at a masquerade ball, the carnival in Venice is an experience that will stay with you forever.


A woman wearing a mask and costume with feathers and glitter posing on a gondola. Bridge of Sighs on San Marco square in Venice, Italy
A group of participants wearing historical costumes and masks representing different periods in Venetian history.

Photographing the carnival in Venice is a true creative opportunity for a photographer. 

Put on a carnival costume and a mask, and become a part of the carnival. You will get unforgettable emotions, memories, and photos. Carnival costumes or masks can be bought, rented, or even made by yourself. 

If you are planning to visit the Venice Carnival, it will be useful to check the event calendar on the official carnival website.

A group of costumed participants walking through the streets of Venice during Carnival. Traditional Venetian masks displayed at the carnival in Venice
Doctor of Venice. A group of costumed participants walking through the streets of Venice during Carnival. Traditional Venetian masks displayed at the carnival in Venice. The plague doctor mask
A group of performers wearing animal-inspired costumes and masks. A carnival float adorned with colorful flowers and feathers passing through a Venetian square.

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