Step back into the 11th Century, the year 1162 to be exact, a Carnival so far removed from the extravagance of the Carnevale di Venezia today, a celebration born over the Venice Republic’s victory over the Patriarch or Aquileia, its enemy. The people of Venice coming together in Venice’s St Mark’s Square, dancing and celebrating their victory, a tradition which has continued for centuries and only grown in grandness and popularity. There is also a religious link, as the festival coincides with the traditional period of feasting, excess and celebration before the start of Lent, which is 40 days of fasting and sacrifice in the lead up to Easter.
A little history on the Venice Carnevale
Although Venice Carnevale continued for centuries after the victory, it was banned in 1797 when Venice fell under the rule of Francis II, the Roman Emperor. The masks were introduced as a way to continue the festivities by concealing the party-goers identity, but it was short lived, as the Emperor banned the use of masks. It was not until the 19th Century, the carnival festivities returned privately, not the public festivity it was at its birth.
Prepare to mask up and be consumed by the magic of Venice Carnevale
Let us look ahead to 1979 when the Italian Government stepped in to reinstate Venice Carnevale to rejuvenate the City’s economy and culture, enticing travellers to visit. It is fair to say Venice has never looked back, the grandness of this magnificent and unique spectacular continues to grow and entice visitors to see (and if fortunate enough to participate) in the festivities. Remember to purchase an elaborate mask before you leave to hang on your wall back home.
Let us learn a little about the masks and the costumes on parade at Venice Carnevale
One never needs an excuse during Venice Carnevale to parade in a mask and over-the-top costume amongst the magnificent backdrop of St Mark’s Square and its beautiful architecture, a city embraced by water and romance. A people-watching and photographers dream, Venice Carnevale has everything, costumes made from precious fabrics, handmade by Ateliers, masks which are minimal and masks that are so exquisite they deserve to be framed and admired.
Our favourite artisan Venetian mask ‘laboratorio’ is in the Castello Sestiere about a 5 minute walk from St Mark’s Square and is called Kartaruga. They have an endless selection of both traditional and modern paper mache masks. The staff are very helpful and if you visit at more quieter times of the day the can even go into a little bit of history behind mask designs.
When does the spectacular Venice Carnevale festivities happen?
Held annually across ten days leading up to the begining of Lent, the Carnevale di Venezia has only just concluded for 2024, held from 27th of January to 13th February. This years festival was dedicated to one of the most famous of all Venetians, Marco Polo. 2024 marks the 700th anniversary of his death. Marco Polo’s memoirs of his journey along the silk road as a merchant and explorer was translated into countless languages and widely circulated throughout the world at a time before the invention of the printing press. His name is synonymous with Venice so it is only fitting that the 2024 Carnevale and other special events throughout the year will be in his honour.
Want to experience the magic of Venice?
Vita Italian Tours can personally guide you through the magical city of Venice and all the grandness it offers on the small group tour the Grand Tour of Italy. Also the Northern Lakes & Dolomites small group tour culminates at the magical city on water.
If independent travel is more your style let us devise a tailor-made travel itinerary for you to explore this wonderful city and its surrounds.
Contact us today to start planning your visit.
