Here are the dates for the Venice Carnival masked extravaganza for 2016: It starts January 23, 2016 in the afternoon at Rio di Cannaregio (23 & 24 weekend are with limited activities). The main events officially start on January 30, 2016 and ends on February 9, 2016 (Martedì Grasso or “Fat Tuesday”).
23 JANUARY The Festa Veneziana – first part Grand Opening of the 2016 Venice Carnival
24 JANUARY The Festa Veneziana – second part
30 JANUARY Festa delle Marie – the parade, following Festa delle Marie
31 JANUARY Volo dell’Angelo, “Flight of the Angel”
7 FEBRUARY The Eagle “flight” and in Mestre Il Volo dell’Asino
7 FEBRUARY The Best Masked Costume Contest – Award Ceremony
8 FEBRUARY Waiting for the 12 Marie of Carnival
9 FEBRUARY The Festa delle Marie 2015 – Award Ceremony
9 FEBRUARY The “Svolo del Leon” let’s celebrate the highest tribute to the Lion of San Marco, painted on a large canvas, symbol of our city that, exceptionally, will fly up to the bell tower over the audience in the square.