The Venice Carnival , or Carnevale which dates back to the 15 th century, is still famous today, attracting tourists from all around the world to the color and excitement of this ancient tradition. It therefore lasted more than two months. It was the most sumptuous and extravagant carnival in the world, but the incredible thing is that it made up only a part of the period in which mask wearing was permitted.
The first law regulating the use of masks dates back to the 13 century, but nobody knows when the Venetians actually started wearing them as a part of every day life. What we do know, however, is that this all ended with the fall of the Venetian Republic, at the end of the 18th century. Before that, the law allowed for masks to be worn for most of the year.
In the 18th century for example , from the 5th October to the 10th June - 8 months - apart from 10 days during Advent and the 40 days of Lent. This does seem excessive at first, but can be explained. Venice was an aristocratic republic with it's unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes, while the ordinary people had no say in government.
Despite this, the aristocracy was always loved and admired by the people. Therefore, with the wealth, power and consensus they enjoyed, the aristocracy could impose its own lifestyle as a model for the whole of Venetian society. However, the Venetian nobles were not fat, idle feudal land lords and they certainly did not live off the backs of the rest of the people.
Besides, masks allowed a wearer hide his identity during licentious and dissolute activities. Do people still wear masks in Venice? What is the significance of the mask during Carnival? In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints.
When wearing a mask, carnival goers were free to be whomever they wanted to be, and mingle with whatever class they desired to mingle with. Are Venetian masks still used today? The volto Italian for face or larva meaning ghost in Latin is the iconic modern Venetian mask: it is often made of stark white porcelain or thick plastic, though also frequently gilded and decorated, and is commonly worn with a tricorn and cloak.
The Carnival of Venice began in the 12th century, it bloomed during the Renaissance period but was disbanded during the late 18th century. The moretta mask, reserved exclusively for women, was a Venetian mask that was round and covered with black velvet. Festivities became The festival declined during the 18th century. There are gondola and boat parades along the Grand Canal, a mask parade in Piazza San Marco, and a special Carnevale for Children event in the Cannaregio district.
The magic of carnival gives to Venice an enchanted atmosphere. Masked people fill the streets with smiles and laughter, and several events are organized all around the city. The carnival usually lasts a couple of weeks, but the most important days are those between the last Thursday and the very last day, Tuesday. A domino mask is a small, often rounded mask covering only the area around the eyes and the space between them.
The masks have seen special prevalence since the 18th century, when they became traditional wear in particular local manifestations of Carnival, particularly with Venetian Carnival. We love when you share our content! Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism.
She is an award-winning travel writer. Amazing festivities and mind-blowing costumes to boot. I have seen my fair share of festivals, including Semana Santa in Spain and Guatemala, patron saint day in San Miguel de Allende and more. Such fun! We went to Carnevale last year. It is a sight to see, but SO many people.
Yes, Carnevale is packed and can feel like you are being herded like cattle. What a great story, fascinating! Funny I was just yesterday looking at a painting of one of those bird masks designed to keep away the plague… and the photos — wonderful! Thanks, Leyla! We've written about the history of Carnevale itself before twice so we thought it would be interesting to write about the masks.
They are such an integral part of Carnevale and not many people know the significance of the masks. These are so incredible! I love noticing all the differences between all the different carnivals around the world. Carnevale is a lot of fun trying to guess who might be behind the mask!
Hi, nice to see you and its the nice information for the carnival. Did you ever joined the carnival at Brazil. Rgds, Noman. It was usually black, often accompanied by loose-fitting white overalls, and featuring a more restrained variety of hooked nose that, while undoubtedly oversized, still kept a vestige of anthropomorphism Pulcinella or Punch started out as an idiot simpleton servant, who developed into a complex , cunning character.
Pulcinella was witty and crafty character but also full of common sense. Despite suspicions about things, Pierrot always end up trusting people and believing in their lies. A stock character of pantomime and Commedia dell'Arte. Perhaps more surprising is that it owes its genesis to the scarcity of cats in Venice during the days of the Republic, indicating that felines were prized above other species of domestic animal on account of their rarity.
The wearing of masks and costumes was well established by , when the mascherari were officially recognized with their own guild. The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak around 18th Century, when Venetians of different social classes used Carnival as an excuse to mingle without fear of recognition or retribution. Masks along with the Carnevale virtually disappeared when Napoleon's army brought an end to the Venetian Republic in However, they have staged a spectacular comeback since a group of former Academy of Fine Arts students opened Venice's first modern mask shop in Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories: Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin and Pierrot.
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