The Pantegana: Giant Rat Leads Water Parade as Carnival Symbol
Source:Holiday Party /
Time:2026-08-30
A giant paper-mâché rat known as the "Pantegana" led the traditional water parade along the Grand Canal on February 1, marking the official start of the Carnival . The Pantegana, a long-standing symbol of the Venice Carnival, released confetti as it passed beneath the Rialto Bridge . Around one hundred traditional boats, richly decorated and rowed by costumed rowers, paraded from Punta della Dogana to Rialto .
