We are going to Venice for carnival. Are those high priced events worth going to? Should be rent a costume in Venice or pick it up in the US? Should we reserve any events beforehand or wait untill we get there? Thank You.

topping...

Hopefully for replies from someone who knows, firsthand...

Best wishes,

Rex

ttt

We're considering adding a few days in Venice to a planned trip to Paris....and I just noticed it would be carnival time! We will have 2 girls with us, 10 & 11...and I think I've found a reasonably priced costume event to attend. But how does one rent a costume? Do they cost hundreds of euros? Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Cruisinred

Just curious...when is carnival?

Thanks!

I think it's about mid-March. Anyone else know for sure? I've always thought it would be a great time!

I think it's February 9-20.

I had hoped to take a photo tour there this year, but I can't take off work in February :0(

Take a look at these gorgeous photos taken at past carnivales. This is from the tour I want to take and it's killing me that I can't go. I hope I can go next year.

http://www.light-fantastic.com/html/...r_Photos1.html

But I will be heading over to Europe in the spring!

Isn't it more like mid-summer? The february carnival is another sort of carnival I think. If I'm not mistaken, my friend was at one of those, she said the streets were ladden with decorations, people were out and about in masks and there was generally a feel of excitement in the air. Other than that, the prices of food rocketed, the souvenirs (masks especially) were very expensive. Accomodation was hard to come by (she had to cut her trip shorter due to lack of hostels), and there was just a lot of shoulder-rubbing.

I suppose it's great for what it is, a colourful carnival you can only find in Venice, and it's worth a visit, but be prepared to see the 'ugly' sides of such carnivals too.

I was at Carnivale in 2003 in February by coincidence rather than design Some of the "events" were free (concerts in the squares, etc) and people were everywhere dressed in costume.

We did not participate but it was interesting to watch.

I believe that Carnivale is similar to Mardi Gras in the US--a pre-Lent celebration.

luvto is correct. Carnivale is February 9-20 this year. Here's the website: http://www.carnivalofvenice.com/area.asp?id=4