Hallia Venezia Schwäbisch Hall

Program 2026 — 28th Edition

The 28th edition of Hallia Venezia follows the established dramaturgy: morning mask preparation, midday opening with free strolling, main parade at 2 p.m. on the steps of St. Michael's Church, concluding parade at 3:30 p.m. at the Froschgrabentreppe. The Vivaldi accompaniment — usually "Le quattro stagioni" or other Concerti — gives the parade a distinctive sound. There is no parade in the classic sense, no sing-along music, no confetti.

The market square of Schwäbisch Hall with the steps to St. Michael's Church accommodates around 3,000 spectators. In case of larger crowds, access will be restricted; organizers advise experiencing the mask costumes in the old town alleys before and after the main parade — the experience is often more intimate there than in the crowded market square.

Sunday, February 8, 2026 — Schedule

• From 9:30 a.m. — Changing rooms Am Markt 9, catering for mask wearers
• 12:00 p.m. — Opening: Free strolling of the approx. 150 mask wearers through the old town alleys
• 1:50 p.m. — Gathering of mask wearers on the Great Steps of St. Michael's Church
• 2:00 p.m. — Main parade on the steps of St. Michael's Church, musically accompanied by Vivaldi's works
• 3:30 p.m. — Closing parade at the Froschgrabentreppe
• Following — Wind-down in the old town alleys, optional group dinner at Restaurant Goldener Adler (self-pay, registration required by February 4)

Important Notes

• Market square capacity limited to 3,000 spectators — access closure in case of larger crowds
• 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. City center traffic-calmed, city buses with detours
• Parking garages on the outskirts of the city center remain accessible

• 28th edition of the Venetian Carnival in Schwäbisch Hall — since 1998
• Around 150 mask wearers in elaborate handmade costumes
• Main parade at 2 p.m. on the Great Steps of the Gothic St. Michael's Church
• Vivaldi accompaniment ("Le quattro stagioni" and other Concerti)
• Second parade at 3:30 p.m. at the Froschgrabentreppe
• Silent, dignified, colorful atmosphere — no loud carnival
• Mask wearers from all over Germany and increasingly from Italy and France
• Free admission

Getting There

By car via the A 6 (exits Schwäbisch Hall or Kupferzell), then via the B 14 or B 19. By train via the Heilbronn — Crailsheim line with a stop at Schwäbisch Hall station. Please note: During the event from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the city center is closed to traffic; city buses will take detours. Parking garages on the outskirts of the city center remain accessible.

Program February 8, 2026

From 9:30 a.m. changing rooms at Am Markt 9. 12:00 p.m. Opening with free strolling. 2:00 p.m. Mask parade on the Great Steps of St. Michael's Church (accompanied by Vivaldi; masks to the steps by 1:50 p.m.). 3:30 p.m. Mask parade at the Froschgrabentreppe.

Admission

Free admission. Market square capacity limited to 3,000 spectators — access will be closed in case of crowds. Those who wish to participate as a mask must register in advance via hallia-venezia.eu.