Looking for info on Burano Carnival 2026? You've come to the right place. In this guide by Venice Insider Guide, we'll be digging into all the details - what to expect, when it's on, where to find it, and lots more.
If you're heading to Venice in February, and you're after something a bit different, then Burano Carnival 2026 is a must-see. Its a whole different side of the Lagoon - much more intimate, yet packed with just as much oomph as you'd find in Venice's main streets. But, if you do decide to come, be prepared for a lot of people!
Discover everything you need to know about Burano Carnival 2026 in this guide from Venice Insider Guide.
Burano Carnival 2026
So, the Burano Carnival 2026 is one of the most authentic and engaging highlights of the festive season in the Venetian lagoon.
While the renowned Venice Carnival enlivens the area around Piazza San Marco and San Marco with elegant masked balls, exclusive masquerade ball evenings, the Festa delle Marie and numerous private events along the Grand Canal, on the island of Burano the atmosphere becomes more popular, vibrant and family-oriented.
Here, the Burano Carnival 2026 unfolds among colorful houses, masked groups, open-air performances and allegorical floats that make their way through the narrow streets toward Piazza Galuppi. During the week culminating in Shrove Tuesday and leading up to Ash Wednesday, the island transforms into a large open-air stage: a carnival that involves the whole city, with parades, activities for children, live music until late at night, and a true celebration attracting visitors from around the world.
What to Expect from Burano Carnival 2026
The Carnival of Burano 2026 blends entertainment with strong local identity. You will not find the opulence of Venetian palaces, but rather an authentic community atmosphere where tradition meets contemporary spectacle.
The island’s streets fill with color, creative scenography and masked groups bringing energy to every corner. The allegorical floats-meticulously crafted by local associations-are the true heart of the event. Each edition follows a specific theme, often inspired by current events or pop culture, and includes a friendly competition among participating groups.
This celebration is particularly suitable for families. The program features dedicated activities for children, afternoon entertainment and evening musical performances in the main square. The setting is informal, welcoming and lively-ideal for those who want to experience Carnival away from the larger crowds of central Venice while still remaining immersed in its centuries-old tradition.
Burano Carnival 2026 Dates
Burano Carnival 2026 takes place over three key days in February:
- Fat Thursday - February 12, 2026
- Fat Sunday - February 15, 2026
- Shrove Tuesday - February 17, 2026
These are the main days of the week - but the whole event runs from February 12th to 17th. If you can make it on one of these days, you'll get to see all the main parades and evening shows.
Burano Carnival 2026 - The Programme
The Burano Carnival 2026 programme is packed with music, kids' entertainment and evening parades, so you should be able to find something to keep you busy all day and into the evening.
The Highlights of Burano Carnival 2026
This year's Carnival takes place from February 12 to 17, and the main highlights are on the 12th, 15th and 17th.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 - Fat Thursday
- 3:30 PM - Music in the square and a kids' entertainment show
Come and join us for an afternoon of fun in the sun!
Sunday, February 15, 2026 - Fat Sunday
- 3:00 PM - Live music in the square with Max and the Seventh Sound\
- 8:30 PM - The float parade takes to the streets\
- 9:00 PM - Live music in the square with Tormentoni - The Most Fun Party in Italy
Sunday is one of the main days of the Carnival. There's live music in the afternoon, and then in the evening the floats and performers put on a stunning show in the streets.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Shrove Tuesday
- 3:00 PM - Music in the square and kids' entertainment
- 8:30 PM - The second float parade, and a procession of masked groups along Via Galuppi
- 9:00 PM - Live music in the square with Lady 90
The final night of the Carnival is just as good as the first - so be sure to stick around until the end.
- 11:30 PM - that's it Carnival is officially over we'll catch you in 2027
Shrove Tuesday is the grand finale - all the excitement of the second major parade and the closing bash as residents and visitors hang out together right up to the very end of the festivities.
Burano Carnival 2026 - The Floats and Parades
The big allegorical float parades go down on Sunday the 15th of February and Tuesday the 17th of 2026.
For Burano Carnival 2026 we've got:
- Two massive allegorical floats - you'll be blown away by the size and spectacle of these
- One smaller but just as eye catching float - the Burano people are known for their flair for the dramatic and this one wont disappoint
- And around 200 costumed up performers - all of whom will be getting into the spirit with choreographed dances performances and all sorts of other stagey stuff
These floats will be wending their way through the main streets of the island - particularly along Via Galuppi - and the specially designed backdrop and scenery is what really sets the Burano Carnival apart - it's a real showcase for what the local community is capable of in terms of craftsmanship and creativity
Conclusion
So if you're planning a trip to the Venice Carnival and you want to add something a bit different to your itinerary - Burano Carnival 2026 has got to be on the list - stick it between a visit to St Marks and Santa Sofia and see the rest of the Venice highlights
After a day spent visiting museums and historic palaces you can head over to Burano for an afternoon of festivities or an evening of concerts and parades
Amongst the bright colours of the floats the elaborate masks the lively music the families with kids in costume the warm and welcoming atmosphere the island gives you a real flavour of what the bigger Carnival celebration is all about.
Whether you turn up for the Sunday parade or make it for the grand finale on Fat Tuesday make sure you plan ahead check the dates and get ready to have a ball - this is the real deal a proper immersion in Venetian tradition - fun and all that Carnival spirit.
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