Annecy Venetian Carnival

The Annecy Venetian Carnival: A Flamboyant Alpine Tradition

Since 1996, the Annecy Venetian Carnival has become one of the most magical events on the Annecy calendar. Born from the desire to create a winter event that showcases the exceptional heritage of the old town, this carnival has established itself over the years as one of the most beautiful Venetian carnivals outside of Italy, alongside those of Remiremont, Castres, and Rosheim.

The idea is as simple as it is spectacular: invite hundreds of Venetian costume wearers — passionate amateurs and professionals — to stroll freely through the natural settings of Annecy. The cobbled streets of old Annecy, the canals of the Thiou, the Palais de l'Île, the lake quays, and the Jardins de l'Europe provide an idyllic backdrop for these majestic promenades, creating photographic scenes of rare beauty.

Three Days of Magic Between Lake and Mountains

The Venetian Carnival takes place over a three-day weekend, usually at the end of February or the beginning of March. The program is structured around carefully orchestrated highlights:

Friday Evening: Nocturnal Promenade

The carnival opens with a nocturnal promenade starting at 5:30 PM in the streets of the old town. The dim light of the streetlamps lends the costumes a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of the evenings in La Serenissima.

Saturday and Sunday: Daytime Parades

From 10 AM to 6 PM, costume wearers take over the Pâquier, parks, and pedestrian streets for free strolls. At 2 PM, an organized parade crosses the old town to the sound-equipped stage set up in the Jardins de l'Europe, where the most remarkable costumes are presented to the public.

A Free and Popular Event

The Annecy Venetian Carnival is entirely free and open to all. Everyone can admire the costumes, photograph the masks, and participate in the festive atmosphere. Some visitors even come in costume, adding to the magic of the event. Hundreds of amateur and professional photographers converge on Annecy to capture these unique scenes where Venetian splendor meets Alpine beauty.

The event is organized by local enthusiast associations with the support of the City of Annecy and the Lake Annecy Tourist Office. It contributes to the city's winter tourism dynamism and generates significant economic benefits for the shops and hotels in the old town.