The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026

Hey Travelers, welcome to our guide to Flight of the Angel in Venice 2026 by Venice Insider Guide.

If you're planning a trip to Venice during Carnival season, there's one event that stands head and shoulders above the rest: The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026.

For that, head to this complete guide by Venice Insider Guide, we will provide you with all the information you need about how this event came about, where and when you can attend it in 2026, how to get there, and how to make the most of it.

What's the Flight of the Angel in Venice?

The Venice Carnival officially runs from January 31 to February 17, and - trust us - it's a wild ride: the city is transformed into a stage for rituals, performances and pure community celebrations.

The Flight of the Angel is the symbolic opening of the Carnival and draws in the crowds - we're talking thousands of visitors to the heart of Venice. And experiencing it means becoming a part of a centuries-old tradition that still absolutely defines this city's identity.

So, what exactly is the Flight of the Angel? Well, for years now it's been one of the most highly-anticipated events of the Venice Carnival - and according to the official program, it's the ceremonial opening of the celebrations in Piazza San Marco, and one of the most iconic moments of the whole festival.

The tradition has been around since the 16th century, when a daring acrobat would walk along a rope suspended between the bell tower and another structure, leaving the Venetian public absolutely gobsmacked. Over time, this death-defying stunt evolved into a symbolic descent - adapting to changing times and modern safety standards, but keeping that core meaning that's at the heart of the tradition.

Today, the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 is a carefully-chosen figure who makes a slow and controlled descent from the top of the Campanile di San Marco along a secured cable, and lands right in the middle of Piazza San Marco. It's a sight to behold - and the atmosphere is absolutely electric, with masks, costumes and the unmistakable energy of Carnival.

What happens during the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026

In the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 will follow a tried-and-tested format.

At the scheduled time, the Angel will begin their descent from the Campanile di San Marco - suspended by a super-safe and certified system. The descent will be slow and controlled, so you can follow every moment.

The role of the Angel is traditionally given to someone closely linked to the Carnival celebrations - often the winner of the Festa delle Marie from the previous year, or another symbolic representative chosen by the organisers. During the flight, the Angel will greet the crowd below and may even scatter confetti or symbolic tokens, to reinforce the celebratory spirit of the event.

The actual descent only lasts a few minutes, but the anticipation, preparation and surrounding festivities will make the whole experience feel like hours - and for many people, it's the highlight of the whole Carnival.

What's the difference between the Flight of the Colombina and the Flight of the Angel?

A question that's been on the minds of many: what's the difference between the Flight of the Colombina and the Flight of the Angel?

The truth is, for many years the event was known as the Flight of the Colombina - named after a mechanical dove that descended along a cable, bringing good fortune to the city. But over time, this dove was replaced by a human figure, giving rise to what's now officially called the Flight of the Angel. The change was all about making the tradition more theatrical and emotionally engaging, while still respecting its historical roots.

The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026

The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 takes place within the broader framework of the official Venice Carnival program, which is organised around a central theme and includes events spread all over the historic center - from the biggest squares to the narrowest neighbourhoods.

The Flight of the Angel 2026 is at the heart of this program - both symbolically and visually. It's the moment that gets all eyes on Venice - highlighting the city's incredible ability to balance heritage, performance and public participation. For many travellers, this event is the centrepiece of their whole Carnival visit.

One thing to keep in mind: because the program might be subject to last-minute changes, official channels of the Venice Carnival and the Municipality of Venice remain the most reliable sources for confirmations and updates on schedules and logistics.

Where does the Flight of the Angel in Venice 2026 take place?

The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 takes place in Piazza San Marco, the very heart of Venice - a place that has been the city's main square for centuries, and the spot where politics, religion, and ceremonial events have all played out over the years. It's an ideal setting for the kind of big public event the Flight of the Angel is.

So, during Carnival, Piazza San Marco gets a lot of special attention from the authorities to cope with the crowds. They put in place controlled access points and security measures to make sure everyone stays safe and that the historic buildings aren't damaged. But it's a big open space, so it's easy to see what's going on - though getting there early is a good idea if you want a great spot to watch.

The Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile di San Marco is the place where the Flight of the Angel kicks off. Standing nearly 100m high in the middle of the square, it's one of Venice's most famous landmarks. When the angel comes swooping down from the top, it creates a really dramatic link between the sky, the buildings and the crowd.

The bell tower's had a lot of work done on it over the centuries, which is pretty much the same as what's happened to Venice itself. And the fact that it's key to the Flight of the Angel just underlines how much of the city's history and culture is tied up in its architecture.

When You Can See The Flight of The Angel in Venice 2026

The Carnival in Venice is due to run from January 31 to February 17. The Flight of the Angel in Venice 2026 usually happens at the start of all the festivities, which marks the beginning of all the fun and games in Venice.

Flight of the Angel in Venice 2026 dates

So, in 2026, the Flight of the Angel Venice is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, which is part of one of the busiest and most fun times of the year for the Carnival. This is when the city really gets into party mode.

What Time Will the Flight of the Angel Be in Venice 2026?

The time the Flight of the Angel happens usually goes around midday, when the sun is shining and you can see everything that's going on in the square. But the time is only confirmed a bit closer to the event, as there might be things that come up that need to be taken into account.

Flight of the Angel in Venice 2026: Do You Need Tickets?

One of the really great things about the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 is that you can watch it for free. Piazza San Marco is a public space, so there's no ticket to buy to see the angel come down. This is a big part of the Carnival's inclusive spirit.

There are some optional extra things that you can buy from official sellers, like a special viewing area or a VIP package. But they're not necessary to enjoy the main event.

How to Get To See the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026

Venice is a city that's best explored on foot or by vaporetto - that's the city's water bus service. Piazza San Marco is close to a few of the vaporetto stops, like San Marco – Vallaresso or San Zaccaria.

But on the day of the Flight of the Angel Venice 2026, you might find there are more vaporetto's running to make sure everyone can get to the square. Still, getting there early is a good idea to avoid any hassle.

Walking is often the best option, especially when there are lots of people around. It lets you take in the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace.

FAQ

How Long Does the Flight of the Angel Last?

The actual descent of the angel only takes a few minutes, but the surrounding party atmosphere goes on for a good deal longer.

Is it Suitable for Families?

Yes, the Flight of the Angel is suitable for all ages - though you might need to keep a closer eye on the kids when it comes to managing the crowds.

Do I Need to be there Early?

If you want to make sure you get a good spot in the square, try to get there at least a couple of hours before the Flight of the Angel.

Conclusion

The Flight of the Angel Venice 2026 is a big part of what makes Venice the city it is today.

It's a tradition that blends history and celebration in a way that really makes you feel a part of something special.

Thanks to all the official sources we've been working with, you now know when and where to be, and how to make the most of this incredible event.

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This guide is from Venice Insider Guide, and we're here to help you experience Venice in the best way possible - with a respect for the city and its history, and a sense of wonder at all the amazing things it has to offer.

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