The grand opening of Venice Carnival 2026 happened on Sunday. Boats and floats floated along the canals in a joyful parade. A giant paper-mâché rat named “Pantegana” led the way on a gondola. This rat is a famous symbol of the carnival. The festival lasts two weeks and attracts visitors worldwide. It fills the city with dancers, costumes and lively music. The Venice Carnival celebrates before Lent, a Christian period of 40 days of fasting before Easter.