Buy your CityPass
for Museums and Transport on Venezia Unica
Carnivals of the World on the Stage of Piazza San Marco
Once again this year, the extraordinary carnival associations take center stage in Piazza San Marco, ready to enchant the audience with their magnificent costumes and traditional dances!
Enriching the event, international delegations will showcase fascinating traditional masks from Slovenia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
Saturday, February 15 | 3:30 PM – Traditional Slovenian Masks
The Korant is a mythological figure from Slovenian tradition, often described in 19th-century tales as a god of joy and wine. This legendary creature, with its magical sound, lures people into dance and is regarded as the patron of merriment, especially during the carnival season. Through its constant leaping, running, and dancing, the Korant drives away evil spirits, banishes winter, and welcomes the arrival of spring. Additionally, it symbolizes fertility and prosperity, ensuring a bountiful harvest and bringing health and well-being to both people and animals.
His attire is as distinctive as it is captivating: he wears a sheepskin coat and a leather headdress adorned with sheepskin, goose feathers, and intriguing details such as beans in place of teeth. His mustache is made of sorghum, while a long nose and a red tongue add to his grotesque appearance. The headdress is completed by two horns decorated with pheasant feathers. Around his waist, the Korant carries five large bells, whose resounding chimes fill the celebrations. In his hands, he holds the ježevka, a staff covered in hedgehog spines, with a leather-wrapped handle where young women tie handkerchiefs as a sign of good fortune. His costume is completed by a red scarf around his neck, thick red woolen socks called gamaše, and sturdy work shoes.
Within the group of Korant, the figure of the little devil is never missing. His smaller headdress is also made of leather and sheepskin, adorned with cow horns, a mustache, a small leather nose, and a red tongue. Unlike the Korant, he carries only a single small bell and wields a pitchfork. Dressed in a red or black fabric costume, the little devil plays an essential role: he is the group’s overseer, as well as the keeper of food and drinks, ensuring the smooth running of the festivities.
Saturday, February 22 | 4:30 PM – Traditional Dances of Sri Lanka
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan—the diplomatic representation of the Sri Lankan Government in Northern Italy—proudly presents a mesmerizing fusion of traditional and contemporary dances from Sri Lanka!
Dedicated to strengthening cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Italy, this performance will showcase the elegance of Sri Lanka’s ancient dance traditions interwoven with the vibrancy of modern choreography. With dazzling costumes, rhythmic drumming, and expressive movements, the show will capture the true spirit of Carnival—a celebration of transformation, creativity, and boundless artistic expression.
The performance will feature a hypnotic blend of Kandyan, Low Country, and Sabaragamuwa dance styles, each narrating a story of spiritual devotion, nature, and cultural identity.
Professional Sri Lankan artists, who have made Italy their second home, will showcase their artistic legacy through a series of beautifully choreographed performances. Having immersed themselves in both Sri Lankan traditions and the Italian artistic landscape, these talented dancers bring to the stage a unique fusion of heritage and contemporary influences. Their presence at the Venice Carnival is a tribute to Sri Lanka’s radiant cultural heritage, presented through the eyes of artists who have embraced a new home while keeping their traditions alive on the international stage.
Saturday, March 1 | 3:30 PM – Traditional Dances of the Philippines
The Ati-Atihan traditional Filipino dance performance is a vibrant explosion of color, rhythm, and energy.
The dancers, their bodies painted black with soot or paint to resemble the indigenous Ati people, wear elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and indigenous motifs. The air resonates with the infectious beat of drums, gongs, and other percussion instruments, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Their movements—a dynamic mix of steps, jumps, and sways—tell a story of ancient exchanges and joyous celebrations. Their painted faces are etched with expressions of joy and devotion, as they chant “Hala Bira!”, calling everyone to join the revelry.
This powerful and captivating performance is a fusion of cultural traditions, embodying the true spirit of festivity and community.
The Vicenza Filipino Community Dance Group is composed of members of the Filipino community in Vicenza, passionately sharing their heritage through dynamic performances. Their Ati-Atihan presentation will showcase their dedication to preserving Filipino traditions, featuring meticulously crafted costumes adorned with vibrant colors, feathers, and indigenous motifs.
With rhythmic movements synchronized to the infectious beat of drums and percussion, the dancers will bring to life the story of this ancient festival, transporting the audience to the heart of the Philippines.
With enthusiasm and pride, the Vicenza Filipino Community Dance Group will offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Ati-Atihan, celebrating community and heritage through the art of dance!
Tuesday, March 4, 5:00 PM – The Traditional Hanfu Attire
Hundred Flowers Bloom in Venice 百花齐放在威尼斯
Chinese women in traditional Hanfu attire dance and sing in St. Mark’s Square, a triumph of colors and cultures.
Traditional Chinese clothing, Hanfu, carries with it millennia of China’s culture and history. Showcasing it during the Venice Carnival, an international event, offers the Italian public and visitors from around the world a unique opportunity to directly appreciate the charm of Chinese tradition. This event helps break down cultural barriers, fostering greater understanding and deep dialogue between different cultures.
The performance, organized by the Il Filo di Seta Association with the participation of Chinese residents in Veneto, represents an opportunity to reconnect with cultural roots in a foreign land, nurturing a love for Chinese culture and awareness of its transmission to future generations. Additionally, it strengthens the unity of Chinese communities and promotes cooperation among them
The introduction of Eastern cultural elements into the Venice Carnival adds a unique touch to this traditional festivity, enhancing its cultural diversity and giving extraordinary visibility to Chinese attire in Europe.
Through the Hanfu parade and performances of music, dance, and singing, we aim to showcase various aspects of this traditional clothing—its patterns, colors, accessories, and aesthetic characteristics—so that Chinese culture can shine on the international stage.
Our goal is to promote cultural integration by harmonizing Chinese culture with local traditions, drawing inspiration from the Venice Carnival to create an atmosphere of intercultural exchange and strengthen collaboration between China and Italy.
