If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to visit Italy before spring fully arrives, Carnival season is it.
In the weeks leading up to Lent, cities and towns across the country burst into colour, music and centuries-old rituals. Masks glide through candlelit squares, towering floats roll through historic streets, and the scent of freshly fried pastries lingers in the air.
But Carnival in Italy isn’t just about spectacle — it’s about atmosphere. Each destination has its own personality, from Venice’s aristocratic elegance to Sicily’s exuberant theatrical flair.
Because it’s one of the busiest travel periods of the year, planning ahead makes all the difference. With Forexchange, you can book your currency exchange online before departure, secure your rate in advance, and collect your money conveniently once in Italy. Add international eSIMs to stay connected from the moment you land, travel insurance for peace of mind, and curated tours and audioguides — and your Carnival break becomes effortless.
Here’s where to go.
Venice: The Timeless Masked Ball
The Carnevale di Venezia is Italy’s most iconic celebration. Think silk cloaks, intricate porcelain masks and golden candlelight reflecting off the lagoon.
St Mark’s Square becomes an open-air stage where costumed figures pose against Byzantine domes and Gothic palaces. It’s theatrical but refined — less chaotic street party, more living Renaissance painting.
To explore beyond the main sights, the Venice Audioguide offers stories and historical insights that add depth to your visit. And if you’re staying longer in the Veneto region, nearby destinations such as Padua and Verona can be easily discovered through organised hop-on hop-off tours.
During busy periods like Carnival, having practical matters sorted in advance is invaluable. Pre-booking your currency exchange online with Forexchange allows you to lock in the rate before travelling, while branches across Venice provide easy collection points. If you’re arriving from outside the EU, Forexchange also offers Tax Refund services helping you reclaim VAT on eligible purchases.
What to taste:
Frittelle veneziane (cream-filled dough balls) and crispy galani dusted with sugar.
Bologna and the Spectacle of Cento
Bologna blends food, history and festivity beautifully during Carnival. Its elegant arcaded streets set the scene, but just outside the city lies one of Italy’s most energetic events: the Carnevale di Cento.
Cento is famous for its massive allegorical floats and a historic cultural link with Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Expect colour, satire and a distinctly festive atmosphere.
Before heading to the parade, spend time sampling Emilia-Romagna’s culinary specialities. Carnival here is as much about flavour as it is about floats.
Forexchange branches in central Bologna make it simple to manage your travel essentials during your stay. If you prefer travelling cash-free, you can combine pre-ordered currency with digital payment flexibility. And with an international Forexchange eSIM you’ll have reliable data access for maps, bookings and last-minute plans — without worrying about roaming charges.
What to try:
Sfrappole (chiacchiere) and other regional fried Carnival sweets.
Florence and the Artistic Energy of Viareggio
Florence might be synonymous with Renaissance masterpieces, but Carnival adds a playful dimension to its elegance.
Nearby Viareggio hosts one of Italy’s most creative celebrations, famous for its gigantic satirical floats crafted with extraordinary artistry. These towering constructions often comment on politics and pop culture, combining technical skill with sharp humour.
While in Florence, enhance your experience with a digital audioguide or join a curated walking tour to uncover hidden stories behind the city’s iconic landmarks. Museum combos — such as Uffizi tickets paired with open bus access — are particularly practical during peak season.
Because Carnival attracts large crowds, it’s wise to travel prepared. Booking your currency exchange online ensures immediate access to euros on arrival, while a comprehensive travel insurance policy through Forexchange provides reassurance in case of delays, cancellations or medical emergencies.
Carnival flavours in Tuscany:
Cenci (crispy pastry strips), Schiacciata alla Fiorentina (orange-scented sponge cake) and Berlingozzo, a traditional ring-shaped cake.
Ronciglione: A Traditional Celebration Near Rome
For something more authentic and less international, head north of Rome to Ronciglione.
This historic town hosts one of central Italy’s most traditional Carnival celebrations, including the dramatic Corse a Vuoto — riderless horse races dating back centuries. It’s community-driven, intense and deeply rooted in local identity.
If you’re basing yourself in Rome, it’s easy to combine world-famous landmarks with local traditions. Before heading north for Carnival festivities, you might want to explore the Eternal City in depth with the Rome’s Best in 1 Day: Reserved Access Guided Tour of the Vatican & Colosseum (2-in-1) — a practical way to experience Rome’s highlights efficiently, especially during busy travel periods.
While in the capital, Forexchange branches are conveniently located in central areas, making it simple to collect pre-booked currency or manage travel services during your stay.
Don’t miss:
Castagnole (fried dough balls with custard or ricotta) and delicate frappe pastries.
Acireale: Sicily at Full Volume
In Sicily, Carnival becomes pure theatrical expression.
The Carnevale di Acireale, near Catania, is renowned for its spectacular papier-mâché floats decorated with flowers and framed by dramatic Baroque architecture. Music fills the streets, performances unfold across piazzas, and the energy is unmistakably southern Italian — bold, vibrant and joyful.
Branches in Catania provide convenient access to currency exchange services, ensuring you’re covered for both planned expenses and spontaneous discoveries.
Sicilian Carnival sweets:
Cassatelle with sweet ricotta, Carnival cannoli and glossy pignolata coated in lemon or chocolate icing.
Plan ahead and enjoy the celebration
Carnival in Italy offers extraordinary variety — aristocratic elegance in Venice, creative satire in Viareggio, folkloric authenticity in Ronciglione and exuberant spectacle in Sicily.
Because it’s one of the most popular times to visit, preparation is key. Booking your currency exchange online, with Forexchange, allows you to secure your rate in advance and travel with confidence. Add travel insurance for peace of mind, an international eSIM, for seamless connectivity, curated tours.to maximise your time, and Tax Refund support for eligible purchases — and you’ve covered every practical detail.
All that remains is to choose your destination, pack your mask, and step into one of Italy’s most unforgettable traditions.
