VENICE — As the annual Venice Carnival peaked in early March, a cultural performance highlighting traditional Chinese attire took center stage at San Marco Square — often referred to as "Europe's most beautiful living room" — set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean sunset.
Organized by overseas Chinese and Chinese expatriates passionate about sharing their heritage, the event featured a rich, diverse program, including a costume show, Dunhuang-style dancing, a guzheng (a Chinese zither) performance, and an innovative opera.
This was not the first time Chinese culture graced the main stage of the Venice Carnival. In 2024, to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, a spectacular parade of traditional hanfu attire, dragon dances, and lion dances captivated global audiences.
Although the 2025 Venice Carnival did not have an official theme related to China, Chinese cultural elements have steadily been present regularly, with increasingly elaborate performances and displays.
"Last year's hanfu parade was a great success. It increased tourists' interest in Chinese culture and inspired us to showcase authentic Chinese costumes and traditions," says Massimo Andreoli, chairman of the historical carnival in Venice. As a result, the Chinese-themed performance this year was extended from 25 to 45 minutes.
The fashion show also featured Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) clothing and ancient bridal gowns. Liu Zun, president of the Associazione Culturale Il Filo di Seta (China-Italy Silk Thread Cultural Association), which coordinated the event, notes: "The Chinese community in Italy worked together to prepare the costumes and makeup to present a richer, more authentic Chinese aesthetic."
Gorgeous costumes and intricate masks are hallmarks of the Venice Carnival, turning fashion into a bridge for cultural exchange. More international students and overseas Chinese view the festival as an opportunity to promote Chinese culture through traditional attire.
Lao Jingmei, who frequently travels between China and Italy for business, brought four sets of traditional Miao and Zhuang ethnic costumes and accessories from South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. During her stay in Venice, she wore a different outfit each day at San Marco Square, proudly showcasing the beauty of China's diverse ethnic attire.
Marta Benedetti, an Italian, was drawn to the exquisite embroidery of the Miao costumes and approached Lao to learn more. She was surprised to discover that China is home to 56 ethnic groups. "The Venice Carnival embraces diversity and inclusion. If more Chinese costumes appear at the festival, people will be very interested," Benedetti says.
Ermelinda Damiano, president of the Venice City Council, highlights the long-standing friendship between Venice and China, noting that the original documents establishing the sister-city relationship between Suzhou and Venice are preserved in her office.
