The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia) was first introduced a way for celebration throughout the classes, with the wearing of masks hiding any form of identity between social classes. In the 1970s, the Italian government felt that the history and culture of Venice needed to be restored and sought to use the traditional carnival as the driving force of their efforts. Today, around 30,000 visitors come to Venice each day for the 11 day period during February each year. One of the most important events is the contest for the best mask, which takes place during the last weekend of the carnival. A jury of international costume and fashion designers vote for the eventual winner known as "La Maschera piu bella".
Carnevale di Venezia 2012 - 11th to 21st February, 2012 - available events and activities:
The following carnival events and activities can be added to your package deal on request. Please note that all activities require a carnival costume dress code:
Theatre Music Show, Gala Dinner and Ball:
Al Ridotto
Saturday 11th February to Saturday 18th February, 8.30pm -Ridotto hall of the Dandolo palace - Hotel Monaco & Gran Canal
In the hall, the heart of the XVIII Century magnificent Carnival of Venice, a music theatre show about the life of the young Casanova with singers, dancers acrobats and a live orchestra in the unique costumes of the Atelier Tiepolo. After dinner historical group dances and waltzes directed by a Dance Master.
£450 per person
Gala Dinner and Ball:
Ballo Tiepolo
Thursday 16th February, 8.30pm - Palazzo Pisani Moretta
In a magnificent palace on the Grand Canal, lightened by candles, will take place the official Ball of Carnival in costume programme. Two orchestras and 30 artists will cheer the evening. Period and modern dances.
£490 per person
Venezia Romantica
Tuesday 21st February, 8.30pm - Hotel Danieli
In the hotel Danieli, synonymous of the splendour and romance of Venice you will be received in a luxurious way by singers, dancers, actors, and a classical orchestra. Enjoy a top dinner as only here you can find, before a Ball with waltzes and group dances leaded by Dance masters.
£450 per person
Diner Dansante:
Il Minuetto
Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Friday 17th and Sunday 19th February, 9.00pm - Hotel Danieli
A Master of Dance and a baroque ensemble will involve the guests in dancing minuets, rondo and other group dances, during and after the dinner.
£250 per person
Venezia Venusia
Tuesday 14th February, 9.00pm - Hotel Danieli
A romantic dinner and ball dedicated to the old, the new and future lovers: the Carnival celebrates Venice and Venus, both born from the sea and indissolubly bound to love.
£300 per person
Social Events:
Sunday Lunch 'Colombina'
12th February, 1.30 PM - Hotel Danieli
After the "Flight of the Angel" ceremony in the San Marco Square, a traditional Sunday Lunch in the Hotel Danieli Restaurant.
£150 per person
Hot Chocolate in Costume
Saturday 11th, Sunday 12th, Tuesday 14th and Sunday 19th February, 4.00pm - Caffe Lavena
"Hot chocolate" with cakes and sweets in an elegant café in the "Piazza", the Venetian Carnival time tradition since 18th Century.
£50 per person
Cotillon
Monday 13th, Wednesday 15th, Saturday 18th and Monday 20th, 4.00 PM - Hotel Danieli
A funny afternoon with cakes and sweets. Our Master of Dance will teach to the guests the basic steps of "Cotillion", involving all into the mysteries of this graceful and ceremonious period dance.
£100 per person
Gondola Tour and Dinner
Saturday 18th February to Monday 20th February, 7.00pm - Calle Vallaresso
An enchanting 30' gondola tour in costume ending with a dinner in a typical venetian restaurant. A classical way to celebrate Carnival, spending an evening with friends and meeting new ones, in the lively atmosphere created by our artists.
£220 per person
Concerts:
Symphony Concert and Cocktail
Friday 4th March, 6.30 PM - Ca' Rezzonico
The orchestra "L'Offerta musicale" directed by M° Riccardo Parravicini
£90 per person
*We can add any of these above activities or events to your package deal on request. Please note that all activities require a carnival costume dress code
If you would like to book this package deal or you would like a customised package deal quote, please call one of our dedicated team 0844 993 4139 or Click here to send us an enquiry.
