The Magnificent Venetian Celebration of Carnival
The Venice Carnival 2016 will be a triumph of flavors, of enogastronomy and of conviviality will be the common thread throughout the great Venetian Festival which will take place from January 23rd until February 9th, 2016.
The Carnival of Venice is the most important and magnificent of Venetian celebrations. It is a much appreciated cocktail of tradition, spectacle, history and transgression set in a unique city, a festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year to the city from around the world.
This most festive event has ancient origins. Traditionally a celebration that greets the passing of winter into spring, a period in which everything is apparently connected, including the illusion of the more humble classes becoming similar to the powerful, since everyone is disguised behind a mask.
The Carnival of Venice officially began in 1296, when the Senate of the Republic authorized the carnival with an edict declaring the day before Lent as a day of celebration. After a break of almost two centuries, the traditions of the carnival were recovered by the Municipality in 1980 and since then the event has been held with great success each year. Always celebrated around a different underlying theme for the carnival each year, from one of culture to that of pure spectacle.
For about two weeks St. Mark’s Square, the theaters, streets, squares and public buildings become the protagonists of numerous initiatives and shows: actors, acrobats, dancers and musicians bring a celebration atmosphere to the city for a few days, which is similar to that of the XVII century. Anyone wishing to sample aristocracy during the carnival can go to the Venetian palaces which host masked balls and gala feasts in costume. The city is home to various fashion houses where you can hire splendid period costumes, wigs and masks.
Visit the Official Website for more info: Carnival of Venice
And always the masks!
(Can you spot the parrot and his date?)
Thanks for this posting. Beautiful pictures. When we were stationed in Germany we went to some “Carnival Time” events. The parades were the most fun. They had ‘tanks’ on the floats dispensing vine. “Wild” evening parties. Unfortunately at my present age I would be lucky to make thru the parade.
We were in Venice a few years ago and it was packed with tourist as I’m sure it always is. We finally had to sit down at one of hundreds of outdoor tables and had each, a small pizza and 7-up which cost $25 not including the gellato for another $5. St. Mark’s Square was covered with pigeon poop because there were thousands of them just hanging out with the tourist. Italy is so beautiful especially Amalfi , Rome, Florence and Pompeii.
Thanks Lynn for the amazing pictures of the costumes. My son & daughter-in-law are going to Rome in a few days.
Thank you Lynn. The pictures are wonderful. I was lucky enough to go to Venice three times and so happy I purchased a mask and gorgeous gold embossed wine glasses that to me are priceless.
Absolutely gorgeous! My granddaughter is is an artist and loved the masques. I brought her one from Venice a couple of years ago and it is displayed in her bedroom. Thank you for the links.
This looks beautiful, Lynn. The masks are simply amazing. I would love to be a part of this celebration someday! Thank you for the good post!
Lynn, I love the Carnevale video’s! Thank You. The costumes are beautiful and Italian and just a little eerie.
So THATS where that dang parrot went!!! Such a rascal that Igor!
Actually when I went to Italy, Venice was the city I was not interested in. I thought it would be too “Touristy”. However, once I got there I was smitten!. I ended up walking away from the touristy spots and took in Venice on my own. I went to mass at St.Marco’s Basilica and had a fabulous seafood lunch in the little town of Burano which is part of the Lagoon. Thanks for this video, it was pretty splendid to behold!
Thank you, Lynn!! Looks like such a fun time!! The costumes & masks are magnificent!! It is my one regret that I will not get to Italy. This very elderly body could not make the trip. Great historical lesson with lovely photos! Grande Amore a tutti!!
Oh Anne, we’ll both have to be content with concerts in the USA. My elderly wallet could not make the trip.
Anne we never let our elderly thoughts take over our body. We keep forging ahead with positive thoughts to make sure it understands that we are going to keep going.
Cool pictures! Love the blue ones. Bet those are ignazio’s favorite? 🙂
That is a spectacle that would be something to see… 🙂 Thanks for sharing.