Things to Do and Venetian Venice Carnival

An Events Guide to La Serenissima :Venezia the most unique city in the world

Venice is famous for its Regattas of which there are nearly 100 every year! The Regatta is a race or maritime festival which involves a lot of very expensive boats either competing against each other in a series of races or simply parading up and down Venice Lagoon as is the case with the historic Regattas. The first Regatta takes place on the 6 of January which is Venice's first public holiday of the year (The Epiphany).

Nevertheless, despite the pomp and prestige attached to the Regattas nothing can compare to the major event of the year "Carnevale" or Venice Carnival which is held every February in anticipation of the Religious festival of Lent. A myriad of marvellous masked Venetians (tourists too) parade up and down Piazza San Marco in one of the biggest and most extravagant fancy dress parties in the world. It is the event for which Venice is famous and the high point of the Venetian cultural calendar. If you are into ostentatious fashion or if pierrots and columbines tickle your fancy then Venice during Carnival time is the place to be.

In the Spring Venice is very busy with tourists and religious or cultural festivals. In May there's the Festa della Sensa or Feast of the Ascension which culimates with the Sposalizio del Mar Venice's Wedding with the Sea which is a centuries old festival which has becoma a ritual in the Venetian calendar. May also signals the end of the Italian football season which should hopefully see Venezia promoted back to Serie A. The Venezia Biennale arts festival is held every second year in June (odd years only next one is 2005) Venice has its' own botanic gardens or Giardini Pubblici which is the setting for the Biennale arts festival. In July it is very hot and to let off steam the Venetians celebrate the Festa del Redentore which surprise surprise is a another regatta but culimates with a spectacular fireworks display which if held on a clear night is unforgettable. The Venice International Film Festival, Italy's equivalent to the Cannes film festival which is getting bigger and more prestigious every year is held annually in August or at the beginning of September. The venue is at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido and the Danieli Hotel normally organises a courtesy shuttle waterbus for those guests wishing to attend. The Regatta Storica or Historic Regatta in September is a historic gondola race along the Grand Canal that is definitely worth seeing. The year draws to a close with the November's sombre Festa della Madonna della Salute procession crosses the Grand Canal via a bridge comprised of wooden boats...

Venice Facts and Figures - Hotel Danieli Venice Italy

• Population - 306,439
• Area- 457.5 sq km (178 sq miles)
• Telephone Area Code - +39 for Italy and 041 for Venice (the Area Code is an essential part of the number and must be used at all times)
• Time - GMT/UTC +1
• Figures: 117 islands, 409 Bridges and 150 canals

Venice Calendar of Events 2005

• January - The Epihany on January 6th
• February - Venice Carnival or Carnevale di Venezia - held from every year for 2 weeks in February if Easter is in April... if Easter is in March Carnival starts in the last week of January.
• March - Business conferences and international summits are often held in March
• April - Easter but sometimes it is in March
• May: Festa della Sensa or feast of the Ascension and Vogalonga May 2005 - 27th rowing race 30km long and finishing at Grand Canal - see +39 041 521 05 44 Fax +39 041 520 07 71 Email info@vogalonga.it for the exact dates
• June: in June there are many regattas plus the Venice Arts festival is held every 2 years next one in June 2007
• July: Festa del Redentore with a Free Fireworks Display.
• August: Ferragosto on August 15 is a national Italian holiday and many shops/restaurants are closed for the day. The Venice film festival is normally held towards the end of August but this year was move to the beginning of September
• September: beginning of month there is the Regatta Storica - not to be missed! and the Venice Film Festival if not already held in August . It is also the start of the football season Venezia are in Serie B for the season
• October: more regattas
• November: Festa della Madonna della Salute
• December: Christmas time and New Year balls in Venice are totally over the top but if you like dressing up then go for it!

Venice Public Holidays

Venice Attractions and Distance from Hotel Danieli

For more information on any of the above attractions and how to reach them please do not hesitate to contact the Hotel Danieli Concierge.

Things to do in Venice an Events Guide for Venezia - including the official dates of the Venice Carnival

Use the Danieli Hotel Venice Official Oline Booking system to secure the best available rate: Book the Hotel Danieli Venice