Hi everyone, I’m Giuseppe from Venice City Tours.
If Iryna told you about the emotions and the historic cafes, I want to take you straight to the center of the action: The Stage in St. Mark’s Square.
Working just a stone’s throw away, every year we witness the transformation of the square. It’s not just a wooden platform, but a true scenographic work of art. Those who have been coming to Venice for years know this: we have seen stages that looked like pirate ships, others that recalled a Fellini circus, and others still that paid homage to dreamlike architecture or the travels of Marco Polo.
This year, the stage will be even more important: without the aerial events, it will become the sole catalyst for all the Carnival energy.
The Best Mask Contest: The Show Within the Show
From our office, when the windows are slightly open, we can hear the voice of the official presenter echoing in the distance between the columns of the Procuratie. He doesn’t just announce names: he argues, explains, and tells stories.
Every mask that goes up on that stage has a “concept,” a story. The presenter describes the materials, the allegorical meaning, and the hours of work behind every stitch. This is what makes the contest unique: it’s not just aesthetics, it’s storytelling.
What will you see parading?
The contest is an incredible melting pot attracting participants from all over the world:
- The 18th Century Purists: You will see gowns that are perfect museum replicas, with powdered wigs and damask fabrics that will take you back to the times of Casanova.
- Fantasy in Power: Often, the most awarded masks are those in the “Fantasy” category. Here creativity explodes: costumes made of mirrors, recycled materials, mechanical structures that move, works that defy gravity. These are the ones that leave the square speechless.
Don’t Just Watch: Be a Protagonist!
Carnival is not a spectator sport. The beauty of Venice is that anyone can go up on that stage. But I know what you are thinking: “Giuseppe, I don’t have an 18th-century dress in my suitcase!”.
It doesn’t matter.
If you want to live an indelible experience and take home a real piece of Venice, I have the right tip for you.
Create your own mask at the Palazzo delle Prigioni (Prisons Palace)
In collaboration with master artisans, we organize an extraordinary activity right at the Palazzo delle Prigioni (connected to the Doge’s Palace by the Bridge of Sighs).
Here you can participate in the “Create Your Mask” workshop:
- Choose a papier-mâché base.
- Decorate it with feathers, rhinestones, colors, and gold leaf under the guidance of experts.
- Wear it immediately!
Once dry, your mask is ready to be shown off in St. Mark’s Square. There is no greater satisfaction than being photographed by tourists wearing something you created with your own hands. It is a tangible memory that you will use for this and future Carnivals.
Questions from those who want to participate (Q&A with Giuseppe)
To make your life easier, here is the essential logistical info you often ask us at the desks:
Where do I sign up to parade on stage?
Registration for the “Best Mask Contest” is usually done online on the official Carnival website, but it is also possible to accredit yourself on-site at the dedicated desks near the stage (subject to daily availability). There are two daily parades: at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Where are your offices if I need assistance or want to book the mask workshop?
We are open every day to help you navigate the Venetian labyrinth. You can find us in two strategic locations, very close to the heart of the party:
- Campo San Gallo 1093/b: Just a few meters from the St. Mark’s stage (behind the Procuratie Vecchie).
- Calle delle Rasse 4536: A stone’s throw from the Doge’s Palace and Riva degli Schiavoni.
Come visit us: whether it is to book the workshop at the Palazzo delle Prigioni or simply to ask us the best time to see the contest final, my team and I are here for you.
We wait for you in the Square!
Giuseppe
