Venice Carnival for a party of 1, what to expect?

Venice Carnival 2024 is from Feb 3. - 13. but main days are from Feb 8. - 13. It is a day and night event and the city is veeery packed.

The week before (Feb. 3.-7.) is not so interesting - I was just visiting Venice at the beginning of Carnival this year. Only a hand full of people wearing some really great costumes. For me it was ok becasue I was not looking for that but for you it might be too boring.

Just copying some info what it is about:
"Venice during the Carnival is spellbinding! Embrace it and let yourself be carried away by the energy, enthusiasm, craziness, magic, charm and jubilation that is Venice Carnival. Imagine, for the whole of carnival, the streets are filled with masqueraders dressed in the most extravagant and elaborate costumes and masks.

Walk around the city and watch street performances or admire the gorgeous costumes and magnificent masks that Venice is famous for. You can greet the masked characters and pose for a photo or dress up yourself and be part of it. You will feel like you have stepped back in time because there are no modern buildings to spoil the illusion.

Or you spend the evening attending one of the many private parties or masquerade balls. You could always go see an opera or concert or go on a Venice Pub Crawl or watch one of the awesome historical re-enactments and shows. Or simply just explore Venice and see some of its ancient sights and sounds.

You can also watch some of the amazing free entertainment that is available during carnival. There are numerous parades, theater performances, comedy shows and live music throughout the whole city. Of course, there are impeccable dining options and you must try some of the local cuisine."

I have friends who participate in the carnival scene in Venice. This year they arrived February 11. From what they have told me from prior years, they awake at sunrise to walk about in their costumes. People are already out waiting, many professional and amateur photographers. Then they just walk around and pose for photos, some do a kind of mime show. They take a break, then go out again in late afternoon or in the evening for sunset. There are parties but those are invite only. So really, it’s just walking around different canals, bridges, plazas and posing.
The first year they went they just wore a store bought mask and full length cape, next year a little more, then Covid. This year they went all out, even having their masks made in Paris. Since this is their third year, they have become friends with many regulars, especially on FB.
It is crowded because people come from around the world to both dress up and photograph.

I have friends who participate in the carnival scene in Venice

My friends are Carnival crazy as well and dress up. They just came back a bit disappointed - too cold, too foggy too whatever :-) :-)

Mignon and Barbara, thanks for the further details. They were helpful to get a mental picture. I have bookmarked a website which will eventually provide the 2024 schedule of events. Maybe that and weather will determine whether I go in person, or just appreciate photos online.
I am a confident solo traveler, but this seems one of those things better done with company.

Maria! Welcome back to the forum. Sorry I can't be helpful on this topic, but I'm happy to see you contributing again.

Thank you Allan. Nice to be back, and nice to read so many 'regulars' still around.

I have been to Carnival twice. The activities build up gradually over the several weeks preceding Carnival day.

There are balls, some of which are quite expensive and exclusive, in the evenings. I have never attended any of the balls.

There is a boat parade several weeks (?) prior to Carnival. I usually arrive a week or 10 days before Carnival, and it's too late for the boat parade.

The first time I went to Carnival, there were fireworks at the Arsenale, but I don't recall fireworks the second time I went.

Masking, both as a spectator and as a participant, is my favorite part of Carnival. The first time I went, I just wore a cape and mask. The second time I did a full costume. It was tons of fun. The best times to see mask people is early (starting before sunrise) in St. Marks Square. By 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. the show is pretty much over. Things get started again in the late afternoon and early evening on San Giorgio and around San Zaccharia.

A typical day would go like this:

• Arrive at St. Marks around 6:30 a.m. I generally alternate masking days -- one day I mask, and the next day I take pictures.
• Leave St. Marks around 9 a.m. Maybe stop at Rialto Market to pick up fish and/or veggies for dinner.
• Return to the apartment and eat breakfast. Maybe take a nap.
• Spend the day exploring any part of Venice other than St. Marks. (The midday crowds around St. Marks are truly horrendous.)
• Stop for a fritelle break mid-afternoon. Fritelle is like a doughnut that they make only during Carnival. (Fritelle Zabione -- with cream, booze, and raisins -- is my favorite.)
• Sometimes head to St. Marks, San Giorgio or San Zaccharia around 5:30 or so. Other times, go to a performance (opera, chamber music, or whatever).
• Eat dinner and crash. (or maybe eat dinner before the evening's activities)

Pictures are here: https://mariematthews.smugmug.com/Venice-Carnival/ (The last two mask photos are of me.)

I did Carnivale 1st week 2017. Boat parade was amazing on Rio Cannaregio.

Here are some photos I took of costumes around the Doge's Palace in 2015. People come back year after year with new designs. Many spend the whole year designing and sewing their costumes. In the mornings they pose for photo and will chat with you (if you find a common language) about them.

I'm not sure you'd be able to find a room for a single night. A day trip is certainly possible, though Bologna is a bit far (1.5 hours for fast train, more than 2 for local). Maybe there are extra trains to Venice during Carnival but even so, expect them to be very crowded. Plan to walk a lot, the vaporetto lines can be long.

Absolutely include Carnival in your itinerary! It's simply gorgeous.

Thanks for the extra comprehensive details...and the photos. Wow! Certainly gives me extra food for thought.
@Marie....there is a specific 'Carnival' day? So the last day? That looks to be Mardi Gras Tuesday. Guess that makes sense. Your photos, btw, are stunning (the morning shots and light are very evocative) and your costume was lovely. What fun. I also appreciate the crowd photos, sheesh.
@Sam, the boat progression does sound like it would be a sight to behold.
@Chani. I have considered Padua as an alternate home base which may shorten train time, but given early day activities, it may need one or two nights.

@Maria -- Yes, Carnival day is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Everything comes to a screeching halt at the end of Tuesday evening, and there are no masks or festivities from Ash Wednesday on. (Glad you like the photos. I communicate better visually than verbally.)