The Venetian Carnival of Annecy returns for its 29th edition from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2026. For three days, the “Venice of the Alps” truly lives up to its name, transforming into an open-air theater where elegance, silence, and mystery reign supreme.
Organized by the ARIA (Association Rencontres Italie Annecy), this free event attracts hundreds of “masks” from all over Europe to stroll through the enchanting setting of the Old Town and lakesides.
A tradition born from cultural exchange
The history of the Venetian Carnival of Annecy takes root in the 1990s. Created in 1996 by the Association Rencontres Italie Annecy (ARIA), born from exchanges between Italian and French teachers, the event has gradually evolved into an emblematic festival of the city. Originally modest, it now welcomes several hundred masks and costumes inspired by Venetian tradition, creating a unique blend between Alpine culture and Italian refinement.
Unlike loud and festive carnivals, Annecy’s carnival cultivates the poetry of silence. Here, no floats or brass bands. Participants, dressed in sumptuous costumes they often spend a whole year making, move with aristocratic slowness.
Did you know? Today, this event is considered one of the most beautiful Venetian carnivals outside Italy, attracting over 500 official costumes.
Detailed program of the Venetian Carnival of Annecy 2026
The 2026 edition spans three days and offers a program rich in emotions and visual spectacles. Entry to the event is free and open to all.
Friday, February 27, 2026 – Magical Opening
- 5:30 PM – 8 PM: Evening stroll. The magic begins at nightfall. The masks wander under the arcades and lanterns of the Old Town. It’s the perfect moment to capture photos with soft, mysterious atmospheres.
Saturday, February 28, 2026 – Strolls and meetings
- 10 AM – 6 PM: Free stroll of participants through Annecy’s iconic sites: the canals, the bridges, the Gardens of Europe and the lake shores.
- 2 PM: Parade in the Old Town for registered masks, on an iconic route.
Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the costumes, interact with the masqueraders, and capture spectacular photos.
Sunday, March 1, 2026 – Last day of the show
- 10 AM – 5 PM: Last day of free wandering of masks throughout the old town and its surroundings, offering a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
This is the ideal opportunity to extend the magic, stroll through the medieval alleys, and fully soak in the Venetian ambiance.
Practical information to fully enjoy the event
Here are some tips to organize your visit:
Where to admire the most beautiful costumes?
To not miss any of the splendor of the fabrics and masks, here are the strategic points:
- The Lovers’ Bridge: The most iconic spot for photos with the Vassé canal in the background.
- The Palais de l’Île (Old Prisons): Annecy’s emblematic monument offers an incomparable historical setting.
- The Gardens of Europe: The lawns allow masks to pose with perfect natural light and plenty of space.
Getting around easily
Favor walking or public transport, as the area is pedestrian and often very lively. If you come by car, consider parking in a peripheral lot and joining the center on foot.
Tips for photographing the masks
- Respect the participants: many keep silent to preserve the mystery,
- Keep a reasonable distance to allow space for poses,
- Prefer angles that highlight the costumes and the historical setting.
A unique experience to live in Annecy
The Venetian Carnival of Annecy remains one of the most beautiful carnivals in France, blending tradition, elegance, and poetic atmosphere. Whether it’s a cultural stay, a romantic getaway, or a family outing, this emblematic festival delights young and old, amateur photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
And you, which costume do you dream of seeing or wearing at this 2026 edition of the Venetian Carnival of Annecy?
Photo credits: Lac Annecy Tourisme
