MINUETTO
Gala Dinner and Ball in the heart of the Venetian Carnivals
An evening of elegance and entertainment with international guests who gather each year in the magnificent Ridotto ballroom to celebrate the Venice Carnival in style, on a journey through time among baroque music and famous arias, dancing under the guidance of the Dance Masters the dances that reigned supreme at the luxurious court festivities of 18th- and 19th-century Europe.
The event includes a welcome aperitif and a four-course seated dinner featuring fish, with paired regional wines. A vegetarian or meat-based menu
option can be selected at the time of booking.
Wearing a PERIOD COSTUME is mandatory; costumes can be hired from ATELIER TIEPOLO at a discounted rate for participants in our balls.
Places are limited and entry is guaranteed only upon purchase of a ticket.
RIDOTTO BALLROOMS
The Palazzo of the noble Dandolo family was the first place in Venice and in the world to host a public gambling venue (the Ridotto) from 1638 to 1774. It was open only during the Venetian Carnival, becoming the beating heart of its long nights. Casanova himself, an avid gambler, was a regular visitor, considering it the perfect setting for his conquests.
MINUETTO
PRICES
Ticket: € 430 (event admission with dinner)
SILVER Ticket: € 780 (standard category costume included)
GOLD Ticket: € 930 (superior category costume included)
RIDOTTO BALLROOMS
HOTEL MONACO & GRAND CANAL
S. Marco 1332, Calle Vallaresso
Protected Booking
100% refund for cancellations received by 5 January 2027; from 6 January up to 8 days before the event date: 50% refund; after this deadline no refund is provided. In the event of cancellation of the Venice Carnival or if the event is cancelled due to force majeure, a voucher valid for the Venice Carnival in Costume ® 2028 is guaranteed.
TERMS OF SALE AND USEFUL INFORMATION
Is it compulsory to wear a period costume?
Yes, a period costume is required to attend the Minuetto ball. Evening dress is not permitted. A face mask is not compulsory.
What does the ticket price include?
The ticket includes the welcome cocktail, the plated dinner with paired wines and the listed entertainment.
Do you provide a costume hire service for guests?
Yes, our Atelier Tiepolo has an extensive collection of high-quality handmade historical costumes.
We recommend purchasing a silver or gold ticket to take advantage of costume hire at a preferential price reserved for participants in our events.
How can I book the event?
You can book directly on our website, by phone through our office, or by email requesting the booking form.
The invitation, which must be presented in printed or digital form at the entrance to the event, is strictly personal; therefore the names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking.
Residents in Italy are required to provide their tax code (codice fiscale) at the time of booking for electronic invoicing purposes.
Bookings are confirmed only upon receipt of payment by credit card, PayPal, Wise or bank transfer. Prices shown include VAT with no additional booking fees.
What happens once I have purchased a ticket on the website?
You will automatically receive a standard confirmation email from the website summarising the ticket purchased. If you do not receive the email, please check your SPAM folder.
The final confirmation with your ticket will be sent directly by our office upon receipt of payment.
If I purchase a silver or gold ticket, how does costume selection work?
When you receive your booking confirmation, you will also be asked to schedule an appointment for the costume fitting and selection, which can take place on the day of the event or a few days before, depending on your arrival in Venice.
If you have purchased a silver ticket, at the atelier you may choose from standard-category costumes; if you have purchased a gold ticket, you may choose from superior-category costumes.
Do I need to choose my costume in advance?
No, the costume will be chosen directly in Venice by trying it on at our Atelier Tiepolo, by appointment. The fit of period costumes differs from everyday clothing and, during the carnival opening days, the complete collection of ladies’ and gentlemen’s costumes will be available at the atelier, where our qualified staff will assist you in selecting and dressing.
Is it possible to request a special menu for allergies, intolerances or dietary preferences?
Certainly. The standard menu is fish-based, but we also offer a meat-based menu and options for vegetarians, vegans and guests with food intolerances (such as coeliac disease).
It is, however, your responsibility to inform us of any specific requirements in the booking form or by email at least 7 days before the event, as it will not be possible to change menus on the evening of the Ball.
Can children attend?
Yes, children are welcome, though we recommend our events for children aged 8 and above. The admission ticket price is the same as for adults; for tickets with costume hire, please contact the office for further information. It is important to indicate the presence of children at the time of booking.
What happens if I can no longer attend the event?
Our cancellation policy provides a 100% refund for cancellations received by 5 January 2027, a 50% refund if received up to 8 days before the event date, and no refund for cancellations received less than
8 days before the event.
In the event of the cancellation of the Venice Carnival or if the event cannot take place due to force majeure and/or restrictions or orders from the competent authority,
the organiser undertakes to issue a voucher to be used for the Venice Carnival in Costume 2028.
Where does the event take place and how do I get there?
The ball is held in the Ridotto Ballrooms inside the Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal (Venice). The hotel has two entrances: one in Calle Vallaresso (S. Marco 1332), a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, and a second entrance directly on the Grand Canal for guests arriving by water taxi.
Are there VIP tables or different price categories for a better view?
No, our philosophy is that every guest is an “Important Person”. All participants pay the same admission price and enjoy the same level of excellence: every table is positioned to ensure an excellent view of the entertainment, and all guests receive the same outstanding menu and the same exclusive service, with no distinctions of category.
How are the dinner tables arranged?
The tables are round and can seat 8–10 people. If you would prefer to be seated with your friends, it is important to let us know before the event. For all other guests, we will endeavour to seat people who speak the same language at the same table, to facilitate socialising.
Do I need to know how to dance to participate?
No, you do not need to know how to dance or come with a partner. Period dances are group dances and the dance masters will teach the basic steps, which are easy to follow. Instructions will be given in Italian and English, but the dances are learned primarily by watching the dance masters.
Is there a cloakroom service and lift access for guests with disabilities?
Yes, certainly.
Image rights
By purchasing a ticket, each guest authorises Venice in Costume srls and its authorised staff to take photographs and record video footage during the event for promotional, television and editorial purposes.
Will there be a photographer at the event?
Yes, an independent professional photographer will be present to take portraits of guests on request, and you may arrange delivery and payment directly with them during the event.
If you would like a personalised costume photo shoot on the streets of Venice or at your hotel, please contact our office.