Discover the Enthralling World of Venice Carnevale: Masks, Costumes, and Ancient Traditions

Venice, Italy, conjures up a tapestry of enchanting images and experiences in the minds of many. This iconic city, gracefully built upon a network of canals and shimmering water, is renowned for its romantic gondola rides, magnificent St. Mark’s Square, and the majestic domes of its historic cathedrals. Beyond its architectural marvels, Venice offers a feast for the senses, from the exquisite artistry of Murano glass to a wealth of delicious food traditions. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as creamy risotto, versatile polenta, delightful cicchetti (Venetian tapas), savory bacala, tender gnocchi, the classic tiramisu, refreshing Bellini cocktails, delicate carpaccio, sweet fritelle, and an abundance of fresh seafood. However, among all these wonders, one tradition stands out as a true spectacle of Venetian culture: the elaborate masks and opulent costumes worn during Carnevale, celebrated every winter before the solemn season of Lent.

Carnevale in Venice is more than just a festival; it’s a profound journey into history, art, and the human desire for transformation. For those who recall the festivities of 2019, Carnevale commenced on Saturday, February 23rd, and captivated audiences until March 5th. This vibrant period transforms the entire city into an open-air theater, where every street and canal becomes a stage for dazzling displays of creativity and tradition. As you immerse yourself in the imagery of these stunning costumes and delve deeper into their significance, be sure to watch the insightful video from Rick Steves on Venice’s Carnevale included at the end of this post, offering a glimpse into the magic.

The Mystique of Venetian Masks: Anonymity and Social Freedom

For centuries, the tradition of wearing elaborate masks has been central to the Carnival of Venice. This practice offered a unique form of social liberation, allowing individuals to transcend their everyday identities and social standings. Behind the anonymity of a mask, a person could mingle freely with those they would ordinarily never encounter, blurring the lines between nobility and commoner, rich and poor. This freedom from conventional social constraints fostered an environment where people could behave in ways atypical of their usual rank, indulging in playful, unconventional, or even romantic interactions without fear of recognition or societal judgment. The mask became a symbol of equality, temporarily dissolving the rigid social hierarchies of the time and fostering a spirit of unity and uninhibited merriment.

The visual evidence of these photos truly captures the incredibly ornate and intricate detailed designs that define Venetian Carnevale attire. It is astonishing to consider the sheer amount of time, dedication, and artistic skill that artisans invest in creating just one mask or a single costume. The palette for these masterpieces is diverse, often featuring vibrantly colored masks that burst with life, yet equally stunning are the monochromatic creations in solid white or elegant black and white. These foundations are then richly embellished with a breathtaking array of materials: shimmering gold or silver accents, sparkling beads, delicate feathers, handcrafted flowers, dazzling crystals, luxurious lace, and virtually any other element the imagination can conceive to adorn these wearable works of art. Drawing inspiration from the opulent baroque style, traditional Venetian masks also have deep roots in the Commedia dell’arte, an early form of Italian theater. This heritage gives rise to iconic mask types like the bauta, which covers the entire face, offering complete anonymity, and the more coquettish Columbina, designed to gracefully cover only the eyes.

The Grand Spectacle: Contests and Creativity at Carnevale

The act of dressing in these exquisite costumes and masks is a significant part of the excitement and fun that defines Venice’s famous Carnival. For many, Carnevale is a year-round commitment, with dedicated participants meticulously preparing their elaborate ensembles for grand contests and countless photography opportunities. These artisans and enthusiasts challenge each other to conceive the most creative, outrageous, detailed, and undeniably beautiful costumes and masks. The apex of this competitive spirit unfolds in St. Mark’s Square, where the public actively participates in judging the year’s best creations. Spectators enthusiastically wave green flags to cast a ‘yes’ vote or red flags to indicate a ‘no,’ creating a lively and interactive atmosphere. A distinguished panel of designers then undertakes the rigorous task of scrutinizing every minute detail of the competitors’ attire, examining the fabric, embellishments, and overall aesthetic. After the final public and expert votes are tallied, a revered judge makes the ultimate decision, awarding the coveted prize to the most outstanding mask and costume, a moment of immense pride for the triumphant artisan.

The delicate roses, painstakingly crafted from fabric on this mask and costume, embody countless hours of meticulous artistry.

The striking contrast of black and white, often accentuated with opulent gold or silver, creates a truly stunning aesthetic in these Venetian masks.

Beyond traditional patterns, themes drawn from nature or even delightful food inspirations are frequently incorporated into the intricate designs of Carnevale costumes and masks, adding layers of whimsy and symbolism.

While every color scheme possesses its own charm, I confess a particular fondness for the captivating interplay of blues and purples. Which combinations capture your imagination the most?

This particular costume ensemble brilliantly features the iconic colors of Mardi Gras: vibrant purple, lively green, and sunny yellow, completed with an endearing baby doll accessory!

Explore More of Carnevale: Videos and Official Information

To truly grasp the magic of Carnevale, witnessing it firsthand, even through a screen, is invaluable. Here’s a captivating video offering a dynamic perspective on the Carnevale festivities in Venice:

For those eager to delve deeper into the historical and cultural significance of Venetian masks and the Carnival tradition, this next video documentary provides a completely different and insightful take, offering rich context and perspectives well worth your time:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For the most current details regarding upcoming Carnevale events, schedules, and official announcements, the definitive resource is the official website of the Carnival of Venice. Simply click on the following link:

http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/

(Note: For reference, the 2019 Carnevale took place from February 23rd to March 5th.)

The Enduring Legacy: “Corteo e Festa delle Marie” – A Traditional Venetian Carnevale Event

Among the many cherished traditions of Venice’s Carnevale, the “Festa delle Marie” (Feast of the Maries) holds a special place, serving as a poignant opening event that beautifully blends historical reenactment with vibrant spectacle. This centuries-old celebration vividly replicates a dramatic historical event: the kidnapping and subsequent rescue of twelve Venetian brides, which occurred during the reign of the Venetian Doge Pietro Candiano III in 946 AD.

The origins of this feast date back to the early ninth century, when it was customary for all marriages to be celebrated collectively on February 2nd each year – the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary. These mass ceremonies took place in the church of San Pietro di Castello, which served as the seat of the Episcopate of Olivolo, allowing all couples to receive a communal blessing. On this significant occasion, twelve young Venetian ladies, chosen for their beauty and humble origins, were bestowed with magnificent jewels loaned by the State for their weddings. Additionally, the patrician families of Venice generously contributed to their dowries, with each girl meticulously placing her gifts in specially crafted and finely decorated wooden boxes, known as “arcelle” or “capselle,” which they carried to the church.

Tragedy struck during the wedding ceremony in 946 AD. As the vows were being exchanged in the church of San Pietro, a ruthless group of Dalmatian pirates abruptly broke in, kidnapping the unsuspecting young ladies and seizing their precious dowry boxes. Upon hearing the news, Doge Pietro Candiano III immediately organized a relentless pursuit. Leading the formidable force himself, the Doge swiftly caught up with the kidnappers near Caorle. In a fierce confrontation, the pirates were defeated, and all the girls, along with their dowries, were successfully rescued. From that day forward, the area where this heroic rescue took place has been reverently known as the “port of damsels,” a lasting testament to the bravery and triumph of that day.

Upon their triumphant return to Venice, the Doge and his courageous rescuers were met with an enthusiastic and joyous welcome from the citizens. In commemoration of this pivotal event, the “Festa delle Marie” was formally established to be celebrated annually. For this grand celebration, twelve young women – two chosen from each of Venice’s six historic districts, or sestieri – were selected. Dressed in elegant attire generously provided by the Venetian aristocracy, they would then participate in a magnificent procession that wound its way throughout the entire city, a vibrant spectacle of tradition and community spirit. Furthermore, on this memorable occasion, the Doge also paid a special homage to the guild of the Casselleri (carpenters) in the church of Santa Maria Formosa, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the valiant fight to rescue the brides. The Feast originally extended over eight days, filled with continuous processions, lively festivals, exhilarating regattas, and diverse entertainment. However, over time, as the Republic evolved, the tradition saw a practical adaptation, with the real young ladies eventually being represented by finely crafted wooden cut-outs.

After centuries of neglect, the “Festa delle Marie” experienced a magnificent revival thanks to the vision and dedication of Bruno Tosi, a renowned director and cultural operator. He successfully relaunched this historic enactment in Venice, re-establishing the “Festa delle Marie” as the captivating opening event of Carnevale. Today, it remains a special and unmissable occasion to admire the breathtaking beauty and authenticity of traditional Venetian costumes.

In its modern reincarnation, the selection process for the twelve “Maries” is a rigorous one: young ladies aged between 18 and 28 are chosen from a pool of 80-90 hopefuls by a qualified jury in the period leading up to Carnevale. The chosen twelve then embark on a magnificent parade, starting from San Pietro di Castello and progressing towards the iconic St. Mark’s Square. Carried on elegant sedans and accompanied by over 300 participants dressed in historical attire, this grand procession, escorted by groups from C.E.R.S. (The European Consortium of Historical Re-enactments) and the Venice Carnival Associations, typically departs San Pietro di Castello around 2:30 PM. It gracefully makes its way along Via Garibaldi and Riva degli Schiavoni, reaching St. Mark’s Square by approximately 4:00 PM, where the official presentation of Carnevale takes place on a specially erected stage within the world’s most beautiful “drawing room,” St. Mark’s Square. The festivities culminate in the declaration and crowning of the “Maria” of the year in St. Mark’s Square by the Doge, following a picturesque water procession departing from San Giacomo dell’Orio. The winner of the Festa delle Marie, resplendent in a magnificent custom-designed costume aligning with the year’s Carnevale theme, earns the prestigious honor of becoming the protagonist of the spectacular “Flight of the Angel” the following year – an exhilarating descent from the top of St. Mark’s bell tower into the heart of St. Mark’s Square, truly a moment of unparalleled splendor.

For additional, in-depth information about this enchanting event, please visit: www.festadellemarie.com.

Planning your visit to Venice during Carnevale? Here’s information on train travel, though please note this specific link references 2019 data:

Trains in Venice during Carnevale 2019

If you’re captivated by the allure of Venice and wish to explore more about its traditions and Carnevale, here are some links to further enrich your knowledge and inspire your next Italian adventure!

Venetian Masks

Halloween Italian Style