Tuesday, February 12, 2013

A Masked Celebration

I have been to Venice only once and was nowhere near the time for Carnevale, or as tomorrow is called Martedi Gasso. I remember wanting to come back one day to be part of these event as it is deeply rooted in the history of the city and its culture.


Carnevale dates back to the 1100's when the Republic of Venice was one of the most important in the world and became a center of art, culture and politics. Due to the growing fame of the event, many laws were issued in order to protect the participants and the city like forbidding the use of vulgar disguises or using the masks for other reason that Carnevale.


One of the most important events during the celebration is called "Il Volo dell'Angelo" or the "Flight of the Angel" which is done at the opening ceremony. Here a woman dressed in a period costume descend from the San Marco bell tower to salute the Doge {these days a person appointed for that role} to pay homage to him.


The celebrations last for about two and a half weeks {ending the day before Lent begins.. today!}, including the opening ceremony on the last Saturday of January, cultural events, art exhibits all over the city, and traditional events like parades down the Grand Canal and on the Lake. 


Masks and costumes are the best know symbols of Carnevale and one of the main attractions. There is no actual record of when people started to dress up, but it is believed that it was done to hide yourself from the strict class laws of the city as well as to enjoy the pleasures present in Venetian society {very naughty if you ask me!}.

Have a fun and go out to celebrate!

24 comments:

  1. Aw, I went once (a lifetime ago) for the carnival and it was amazing and beautiful. Wouldn't mind going back... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your description of the carnival sounds so magical, i would also love to attend! The costumes and masques must all be amazing..

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would so loooove to go in Venice during the carnival ! great pictures !

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, this looks like such a fun event. I LOVE the masks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm planning a trip to Venice (hopefully next year) and so glad to read about the Carnevale event. The masks are intriguing...they always seem to convey a sense of mystery. Thank you so much for sharing!

    ~Su

    ReplyDelete
  6. Loved reading this and was totally unfamiliar with the tradition. Super cool!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for this post. The event sounds dreamy and amazing. Someone gave me a Moleskine travel journal for Venice as a gift despite Venice being very elusive (I've planned several trips to go there but got cancelled each time) and I've been holding on to it hoping someday to visit and will definitely mark the Carnival period on it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have never been to Venice so I'm not too picky about when I go (it's on my travel wish list) but this seems like a special, incredible time to experience the city!

    always, koru kate

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amazing pictures- would love to be there to see this in person! :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd love to visit Venice Carnevale just once!!!

    www.theslowpace.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've been once too and loved it. I'd love to go back.

    I didn't even know about this... looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Venice looks amazing like that! Xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh wow...such a magical celebration! Beautiful photos!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've always wanted to go to Carnevale -- Venice is so beautiful on its own I can't even imagine!

    ReplyDelete
  15. SO much fun!Venice is on my bucket list, have been to Rome and Florence but not to the floating city.

    xo
    Alison

    PS Stop by my blog to enter to win a fabulous organic face oil from Skin Owl! You will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. That looks like a really fun celebration!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Have never been to Carneval, and one day would like to go.
    Love the masks and have enjoyed seeing some of the fun costumes and maskes on Tv.

    Happy week
    hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sounds absolutely incredible. Great images. Thanks for stopping by my blog! xo, Julie
    www.fromproseccotoplaid.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. A few years ago I was living in Rome and on a whim, boarded a midnight train to Venice with some of my girlfriends for Carnaval - to this day it's one of my most favorite memories. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really enjoy the masks and costumes for Carnevale - they're so romantic and mysterious. My next Halloween costume, I promise!

    ReplyDelete
  21. i live in italy and i knew about the carnival but i've never gone to one. after seeing these images, it definitely looks like i'm missing out. :-))

    http://rambleswithreese.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete