Minuetto of Love: Valentine’s Night at the Venice Carnival
Experience the eve of Valentine’s Day at a masked Carnival party in the heart of Venice. Minuetto of Love takes you to the historic halls of the Ridotto for an evening dedicated to love in all its forms, amidst period costumes, Baroque music and dances led by the Master dance instructors. A welcome aperitif and a four-course dinner round off an experience that combines the tradition of the Venetian Carnival with the atmosphere of Valentine’s Day, in one of the most charming historic venues just a stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square.
WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the atmosphere of the Venice Carnival.
- Wear a period costume and take centre stage for the evening.
- Learn period dances under the guidance of the dance masters.
- Dine in the halls of the Ridotto, a historic venue from 18th-century Venice.
Price
- Minuetto of Love ticket = party entry: €450 per person
- Red ticket = party entry + costume hire: €700 per person
Availability
Saturday 13 February 2027
Duration
4 hours
Features
- Accessible with public transport
On Saturday, February 13, 2027, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the doors of the Ridotto open for an evening where love and Carnival come together. Put on your period costume, step into the halls of Palazzo Dandolo, and for a few hours, shift your pace and perspective. All around you are frescoes, stucco, Baroque music, and other guests in period costumes. This is the setting for Minuetto of Love, a celebration that honors the joy of being together through music, dinner, and dance.
The programme for the Minuetto of Love
The evening begins at 8.00 pm with guests entering the function rooms and enjoying a welcome drink. This is followed by a four-course set dinner, accompanied by regional wines.
Music is an integral part of the evening’s narrative: you’ll hear Baroque pieces and sweet love arias, but above all, you’ll have the chance to join in. The dance masters will teach you the basic steps of period group dances and lead you through the routines. So there’s no need to know any minuets or choreography beforehand: you can learn as the party goes on and share the dance with the other guests.
The evening continues until midnight.
Historical costume: dressing to get into the spirit of the event
A historical costume is required to take part in the Minuetto of Love. More than just a dress code, the costume helps to create the shared atmosphere that characterises the evening.
If you do not own a costume, you can choose the ticket that also includes costume hire from Atelier Tiepolo. After purchase, you will receive an email from the atelier to arrange an appointment for selecting and trying on your costume.
The costumes are handmade in Venice and inspired by 18th- and 19th-century European fashion, featuring unique designs and carefully selected fabrics and trimmings.
To get an idea, you can view some examples in this catalogue: open the PDF catalogue.
To get an idea, you can view some costumes in this catalogue of period costumes examples; for this party, you can choose between the Standard and Superior categories without any price difference.
Dinner: four courses and regional wines
Dinner is served at the table and comprises four courses, with fish-based main courses paired with regional wines.
If you’d prefer an alternative, you can choose the meat menu or the vegetarian menu when you book. You must let us know your choice in advance, as it is not possible to change your menu on the night. You can also let us know of any food allergies or intolerances when you book, so that these can be taken into account when organising the dinner.
Il Ridotto, a celebration steeped in the history of Venice
The venue itself also lends a special significance to the evening. The Ridotto at Palazzo Dandolo, now part of the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, is situated just a stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square.
Its history dates back to 1638, when it became the world’s first gaming room open to the public. It was here that Venetian nobles and representatives of Europe’s great families would gather. Today, its frescoed and stucco-decorated rooms are once again filled with period costumes, music and dancing.
Entering the Ridotto in period costume therefore adds a tangible link to the history of the place to the celebration. For a few hours, the space around you becomes as much a part of the experience as the music and dancing.
Valentine’s Day, Carnival and a different way to celebrate love
Minuetto of Love takes place on the eve of Valentine’s Day, but love is celebrated in all its forms. The evening is open to anyone who wishes to share in the Carnival atmosphere, even if they are not attending as a couple.
It’s an opportunity to spend time together, letting yourself be carried away by the music, the convivial atmosphere and the pleasure of learning a few dance steps in a venue deeply rooted in Venetian history.
Would you like to experience Minuetto of Love? Book your place and get ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the spirit of the Venice Carnival.
FAQ: Minuetto d’Amore for Valentine’s Day in Venice
When does Minuetto of Love take place?
The event takes place on Saturday 13 February, from 8.00 pm to midnight, in the Ridotto rooms of the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, in Venice.
Is it compulsory to wear a period costume?
Yes. A period costume is the dress code for the evening. You can wear your own or choose a ticket that includes hire from the Atelier Tiepolo.
Do I need to know how to dance to take part?
You can take part even if you don’t know any period dances. During the party, dance instructors will teach the basic steps for group dances and guide guests throughout the evening.
Can I choose a menu other than the fish option?
Yes. When booking, you can request the meat or vegetarian menu. Please also inform us of any allergies or intolerances at the same time. The menu choice cannot be changed during the evening.
Can I take part even if I’m not in a couple?
Yes. Minuetto of Love celebrates love in all its forms and is open to anyone who wishes to enjoy this Carnival evening, not just couples.
Carnevale