There are thousands of festivals celebrated around the world but very few can match the pomp and color of the Venice Carnival. Every year, crowds converge in the city of Venice during the carnival to make the most of the amazing costumes, fun parties, balls, Venetian masks, events, as well as the many attractions the beautiful ancient city has to offer. The atmosphere is just magical with crowds donning intricate costumes in colorful scenes, and surrounded by a variety of sounds. Why do you need to see this carnival at least once in your life :
It’s the original carnival…
Venice is a historically significant city that is well-recorded in the books of history. By the 18th century, the city was already a mainstay for tourists who were drawn by a plethora of activities. These included things like the gambling dens, trading opportunities, courtesans, and of course the original carnival. The buzzing party atmosphere here is brilliantly highlighted in the paintings of world-renowned artists like Gabriele Bella and Pietro Longhi in two Venetian museums: The Ca’Rezzonico and the Querini Stampalia.
The ultimate masquerade…
No carnival outfit would be complete without masks and if you are like the thrill of being anonymous, the Venice Carnival gives you the chance to step out in vintage Venetian masks. Try on the artistic works of magnificent mask-makers like Ca’Macana, which is fondly remembered for producing the masks in Stanley Kubrik’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” You can hire a cool mask from Tragicomica to pair with your traditional costume to get you ready for the carnival’s mesmerizing atmosphere. In the Castello district, you will come across intricately designed Papier Mache masks that you will fall in love with. 
Enjoy the local cuisine…
In Italy, you can’t have a holiday without indulging in the local culinary offerings. The same applies in Venice during the festival where visitors get to sample the best of Italian dishes. Top on the menu is the city’s special “frittella”, an out-of-this-world doughnut that is served in a variety of ways. You can have it plain with candied peel and currants or filled with palatable delights such as Chantilly cream and custard. Try a healthier version of the doughnut “Tonolodoes” that is filled with apples. The “galani” is another delicacy which constitutes fried pastries that are covered in sugar icing. You can’t leave out the sweet treats that have become the carnival’s specialty.
Mingle with the locals…
The Venice Carnival also gives you the opportunity to mix with the locals and experience their rich culture. If the costumed crowds are just too much for you, you can always go to the principal “campi” that are spread around the town and link up with the locals. Get to see small children clad in costumes squeezed over puffer jackets, resulting in a chaotic mass of miniature Michelin-men. There is also a mini funfair at the Riva delgi Schiavoni that features mini Zorros and Elsas as you have fun on the rides and candy floss. Don’t forget the standing bars that let you enjoy your favorite drinks as you dance to the refreshing live music.