The most popular event in Venice is back: ten days of dressing up, shows, music, games and colours. The city explodes with fun and laughter and huge festive crowds fill the salon of Piazza San Marco and thousands of other squares in the city. Free shows, period costume parades, concerts, living history, children's entertainment, wild all-night dancing, food tasting and other sensory experiences. This is Carnival. A sense-stimulating experience to suit everyone's tastes.

Major events: Carnival Opening Show Saturday February 6, 9.00pm A show in Piazza San Marco, with a great artist, to open the Carnival 2010 in the name of fun and culture.

The tradition - the Flight of the Angel Sunday, February 7, 12.00am

Tradition - The Festa delle Marie Sunday, February 7, 3.00pm (from San Pietro di Castello)

The tradition - the Historical Re-enactments Sunday, February 7, 3:00pm and Sunday, February 14, 1:00pm

Drag Queen Beauty Pageant Friday, February 12, 9.00pm, Piazza San Marco A new European contest. In the jury, the Compagnia de Calza 'I antichi'

2010 Masked Costume Contest From Thursday 11 to Sunday, February 14, 3:00pm The symbol of the tradition of Carnival. An international jury will select the best costumes.

Tango Nights in Piazza San Marco Monday 8, Tuesday 9 and Wednesday February 10, 9.00pm

Commedia dell'Arte From Thursday 11 to Saturday February 13, Piazzetta San Marco

Music and fire shows Saturday 13 and Sunday Fabruary 14, 9.00pm, Piazza San Marco

Mardi Gras in Piazza San Marco Tuesday, February 16, 8:00pm A feast to close the 2010 edition in the name of music

Campo San Polo, il Campo dei bambini Amusement for kids From Thursday 11 to Sunday February 14

La Festa Veneziana Sunday, February 7, 11.00am, Rio di Cannaregio In collaboration with A.E.P.E. and Coordinamento Remiere

Campo del Gusto - Campo San Geremia From Thursday 11 to Tuesday 16 February, 10.00am - 7.00pm In partnership with Regione Veneto and in cooperation with Unione Cuochi del Veneto

Carnevale al Buio, Biennale, Palazzo delle Esposizioni From Saturday 6 to Tuesday 16 February, 11.00am - 8.00pm New edition with new paths and surprises. In collaboration with Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano

The Volo dell'Asino - Piazza Ferretto Sunday, February 14, 12:00am