Top Events to Experience in Venice

 

The Carnevale is one of the longest-standing festivals in Venice. Two weeks of events celebrate the city's unique culture and transform Venice into an open-air theater. The action always begins with an opening parade, a spectacular performance that's filled with colors, lights and music. From restaurants serving exclusive Carnevale dishes to workshops, acrobatics and street theater, Venice carnival activities include a range of art forms. The most exclusive event is the ticketed masquerade ball: Il Ballo del Doge. The ball is designed to look like a Venetian palace and guests are encouraged to dress in extravagant costumes. There's no wonder it's considered one of the best things to do in Venice.

 

Are you a fan of sailing? Then you'll be happy to learn that there is plenty of sailing-related events in Venice. The annual calendar starts with the Festa della Sensa regatta, an annual race and celebration that pays homage to the city’s relationship with the sea. 

 

Next is Vogalonga. This festival highlights the importance of the ocean while protesting the damage inflicted by motorboats. Although amateur and professional rowers take part, Vogalonga is a non-competitive event and it welcomes sailing enthusiasts from around the world.

 

An annual festival in Venice, the Festa del Redentore takes place on the third Sunday of July. The date commemorates the end of the plague in 1577 but it's the Saturday evening that you won't want to miss. On the eve of Festa del Redentore, locals and tourists are treated to one of the city's most spectacular fireworks displays. Boats are decorated, a pontoon is built to connect Venice to San Giorgio and thousands of people flock to St. Mark's to see the sky illuminated.

 

If you're a film enthusiast, then you'll love the Venice film festival. Founded more than 75 years ago, the festival is one of the most glamorous events in Venice. In fact, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars have walked the Venetian red carpet. Held on the Venice Lido, the festival brings film aficionados, fans and moguls to the city. The festival aims to promote international cinema and features screenings of films, documentaries and innovative formats. The events are ticketed and if you're lucky, you could gain access to an A-list screening.