Documented since the 11th century and revived in 1979, the Carnevale di Venezia turns the city into a living Baroque painting. Costumed figures glide through Piazza San Marco, masked actors perform commedia dell’arte in tiny campos, and the historic palazzos host private masked balls that book up a year ahead.

Pro tip: rent a costume rather than buying one — workshops near Campo San Maurizio rent full Settecento outfits for the day. The opening weekend’s Festa delle Marie procession and the Volo dell’Angelo flight from the Campanile are the can’t-miss public events.