Masked balls and events in costumes: all the magic of Venice Carnival

The Carnival in our city is a serious thing, not just a party or an annual parade. Much more than this: it is pure magic. Two weeks which inaugurate the whole year with a leitmotif, unique and mysterious at the same time: the mask.

The disguise, an ancient symbol with ambivalent meaning: people hide behind a costume or under a big hat, but they do it in a flashy way. Especially in Venice, where, to really honour Carnival, we wear gorgeous masks, in eighteen-century style.

People do not go unnoticed in a Carnival parade in Venice.  And they do not want to.

To get lost in the folds of the ladies robes or behind intriguing masks, the best place is St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice and core of its most important event.

Celebrations, this year, will start on January 27 in Rio di Cannaregio, amazing water stage for the first part of the Festa Veneziana sull’Acqua, opening show of Venice Carnival 2018. Many events will follow – combinations of folklore, charm and eighteen-century elegance – which Corte di Gabriela suggests its guests to enjoy.

These are unique experiences, in an old-time Venice: an unmissable occasion, to live once in life.  Among the free attractions, the Best Mask Contest – starting on February 3 and ending with the award ceremony on February 12 – is one of the most expected between venetians and tourists.

For a different night, in a charming atmosphere, it’s strongly suggested the official dinner show and ball, in the stunning location of Palazzo Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. Booking is required and the event is quite expensive, but there is a good reason: there Richard Wagner composed his “Parsifal”.

The Carnival 2018 is waiting for you with its program filled with different kinds of events, from January 27 to February 13, in a dream-like Venice. Come in from the entrance door: Corte di Gabriela.