Carnival, Venice

Favorite thing: February's Carnivale is incredible. There were tens of thousands of people here and the small streets were packed. The costumes were very elaborate. Venitians take this festival very seriously.

Fondest memory: The best things I liked were actually seeing the famous gondolas and streets of water. It was hard to imagine such a place, but it's there and waiting for you too.

Favorite thing: If possible, visit during the festival. Regardless, you MUST GET OUT AND WALK!! Venice is extremely safe (there is no where to run!) and every little island has it's own unique story to tell. Try a meal at a hidden restaurant, a new fruit at a small store the size of a closet, examine the architecture of a handrail. The possibilities are absolutely endless!

Fondest memory: EVERYTHING!!!

Favorite thing: Buy a mask. There's loads of mask shops. Some of them actually make them in the shop and they allow you to watch - great. You can buy cheap masks that are not originals and they are produced all over the city.They are good souvenir, and you will be spoilt for choice. Here's a picture of my boyfriend wearing his mask.

Fondest memory: Bring out your masks, your medieval costumes (the more EYECATCHING it is, the better). It's CARNIVAL TIME here in Venice!!!!!!!!!! This definitely beats the one in Rio anytime, baby!!!!!!! That's me trying to get some attention??? Of course NOT!!! That's one of the performers I spotted along the streets. Isn't she pretty?? Haha!!

Fondest memory: Venice Carnival first gained widespread popularity in the 18th century. Back then, it began immediately after Christmas and lasted for six weeks! Citizens wore gaily coloured costumes and put on comedic performances in the theatres and on street corners, poking fun at social and religious rituals and conventions. Today, the Carnival lasts for just a few weeks. The days and nights are filled with masked balls and sumptuous gala parties, drawing people from all over the world. Costumed revellers spill onto the narrow alleys, bridges and lavish piazzas of Venice. You can even sense in the air the mighty sounds of trumpets, firecrackers and drums!!!!!!! The streets near the famed Piazza San Marco get so crowded that at times the crowd picks you right up off your feet!!!!!!!!! The piazza itself is packed, very packed and completely filled with people dancing. So what are you waiting for??? Call your travel agent NOW!!!!!

Fondest memory: The ENTIRE world knows that Venice is very famous for (among other things) its carnival which takes place in February every year. And both YOU and I have seen images of these mysterious Venetian masks and resplendent costumes with goldolas floating in the background. Ah, and knowing you -- you probably never even bother to consider coming to the Carnivale di Venezia because you think it's pointless to jostle with the overflowing crowd. Yes?? Neither would you wish to pay 3 times more for your hotel accommodation. Am I right to guess that?? WRONG!!! Your presence wouldn't worsen the chaotic crowd but more importantly, you will be enriched by this new experience!!!!!!!!

Favorite thing: Be there during Carnival and be sure to stay out by the Grand Canal at sunrise and sunset

Fondest memory: Travelling down the Grand Canal at sunset and sunrise - Side trips to Borano. Walking around and eating breakfast, drinking lattes and watching people crossing bridges and scurrying about.

Favorite thing: On business at Peschiera on Lake Guarda for a couple of days.
On arrival at Verona airport was taken direct to Venice.
ONly spent a about four hours there It's even better than I thought it could be.
Will have to go back and see it properlay.

Fondest memory: Being at Carnival time, the streets filled with people in consutme and masks, sitting around in best cafes and orchestra playing Vivaldi in St. Marks square. Unforgetable. And, being in March - no crowds.