Il Carnevale di Venezia (The Venice Carnival) is a world-class event, attracting crowds of visitors from all over the world every year. Venice Carnival is steeped in history, charm and tradition: Venetians and tourists alike have taken a keen interest in it, thanks to its mix of transgression, art, history and culture in one of the most unique cities in the world.

During the ten days of Carnival leading up to Mardi Gras, Venice is a hive of activity and entertainment, from improvised street entertainment to performances put on by the organisers. The heart of Carnival is Saint Mark's Square, with its huge stage, although other events take place throughout the city, helping to avoid an excessive build-up of people in pedestrianised Venice.

A central idea is chosen each year that is taken from various cultural or show-biz themes. It's the theatre the big protagonist of the 2012 edition of the Venice Carnival, whose title is "Life is theatre! It's time to get masked".  
 
The Carnival in Venice, from the XVI century to the end of the Venetian Republic, coincided with the peak of the theatre season, with many performances not only in the theatres but also in some squares. The main stage will be in Piazza San Marco, where the "Gran Teatro" (Great Theatre) will be set up: a spectacular scenic structure that reproduces the big theatrical machines of the past, and that will be the set of some of the main events, like The Flight of the Angel, the Parade of the Marias and the Parade for the best masked costume contest. 
 
Visit the official website of the Venice Carnival 2012

Read general information about the Venice Carnival