Venice is stunning all year round but during the carnival month, it becomes even more charming and mysterious. One stumbles upon princesses, pierrots, dukes who hide their faces behind lavish masks. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Venice, join us at the masquerade ball!

Origins

Pietro Longhi, Masked Party in a Courtyard, 1755, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri

The carnival celebrations began in Venice sometime in the 12th century. They became more official in the Renaissance, but it flourished the most during the Baroque and it was used to promote the magical image of Venice in the world. With the fall of Venetian Republic, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 by the Holy Roman Emperor when even masks became strictly forbidden.

Activities

Antonio Corpora, Carnival in Venice, 1996, private collection

Before it was outlawed at the end of the 18th century, the carnival would usually begin with a series of balls in St Mark’s Square (if you visit Venice, go to the famous café Quadri’s where you can see a fresco depicting one of such parties). If somebody liked taking risks, every night of the carnival fortunes were squandered in the Ridotto Gambling casino.

Masks

Antonio Donghi, Carnevale, 1923, private collection

Nobody knows why Venetians began wearing masks. One of the scholars claims that it was caused by the extremely rigid class system ruling in Venice, especially that during carnival the usual order was overthrown: the poorest beggar could pretend to be the richest man. 

Today

Francesco Guardi, Carnival Thursday on the Piazzetta, 1770, Louvre, Paris, France

This year the carnival starts on the 27th January and it will last until 13th February. The festival will feature many traditional events such as the Flight of an Angel over Piazza San Marco, or the beauty contest for Venetian girls, or the contest for the most magnificent mask, and many many ravishing balls. For info click here!

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