Delicious Italy - Venice Carnival and Carnival Masks

Venice Carnival and Carnival Masks

Written by Delicious Italy Team

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Venice Carnival image by Walks Inside Venice Guided tours

Turn yourself into a living piece of art for the annual Venice carnival in February. Buy a mask, put on a long cloak and wander through the early morning mists of the lagoon in mid winter. Also take lots of photos for disbelieving relatives back home.

This is the best way to celebrate the carnival with the best backdrop in the world, Rio excepted. The theatrical nature of the Venice carnival dates back to the start of the 14th century when a group of well-to-do noblemen opened up areas for organized games and spectacles. They were called "Compagnie di Calza" and quickly became known for their exuberance and fantasy.

The masked man soon made an appearance and would 'merry make' much to the amusement of all concerned. They became genuine expressions of popular culture and celebration with one foot firmly in the theater and the other in the life of the streets.

Don't be fooled, however, by the limitless cheap carnival masks you see on sale. All have their origins in China and are not made of the traditional papier-mâché of old. There are still a handful of genuine mask makers in the city, but they no longer represent the majority of products on general sale.

You have to ask for a mask made of 'cartapesta' and also view the links to Marega and Mondo Novo below.

During Carnival the city also hosts other more formal events such a classical concerts and theater performances. The carnival in Venice, masquerade balls and gala dinners have been organised since 1995 by the Club Culturale Italiano.