Venice Carnival & Venice Carnival Masks
The Venice Carnival was recently voted one of the world’s top five carnivals. I would agree. This is a carnival everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
The masks are amazing too; just look at the ones on this page to see what I mean.
I remember the first time, when I was a little girl, my mamma bought me a small one. It was just so beautiful.
Now that I'm all grown up, I'm still a kid in a candy store at carnival time.
For the inside story on masks and carnival, read on.
ALL THE TOP-SIGHTS IN ONE TRIP
🚩 Stroll across the Rialto Bridge, take a ride on a traditional gondola along the Grand Canal, see St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and other magnificent places in just a day!
Book herе
The History of the Venice Carnival
This is a carnival that dates back over 900 years. Its roots can be traced back even further than that, to the ancient festivals celebrating the end of winter.
Carnival was the one time during the year when there were no bounds.
You were free to do all the things you had wanted to do all year; your fantasies and desires were free to be lived without guilt and anonymously thanks to the masks.
Social status, wealth, or any of the other things that we are normally so quick to judge had no bearing. It is not quite like that now; some of the wild abandon has gone, and it is a little more refined. Perhaps this is a good thing for middle-aged people like my husband and me.
The Venice Carnival Today
The carnival runs during the two weeks leading up to the Tuesday before
Ash Wednesday. Its date is therefore effected by Easter but in general, it is held around mid to late February.
During the carnival, Venice is alive with masked Venetians—and tourists.
Bands, jugglers, and entertainers enliven the piazza of the city; the canals are filled with colorful boats; and the nights are full of parties and masked balls.
It really is a magical time to visit the city.
Venetians themselves all love Carnival time; although many tourists are in town, the Carnival has maintained itself as a genuine and 100% authentic "Venetian" event. If you arrive as a tourist, you'll just need to fit in with it and enjoy an experience that has hardly changed one iota.
Venice Carnival Masks
The masks were originally pretty simple—they were just meant to disguise the wearer. With the passing of the years and the ever-declining degree of debauchery involved, they have become more elaborate.
A number of masks exist, such as the Moretta and Larva, but the Bauta is the mask that is most commonly worn during carnival. Authentic Bauta masks are always white and generally cover the whole face, which also means that the voice is distorted or disguised.
Many Bauta masks these days only cover the top part of the face, allowing the wearer to eat and drink without having to remove the mask. It makes sense because eating and drinking are such an important part of carnival.
Where to Buy Venetian Carnival Masks?
If you would like to buy masks, there is one place I can thoroughly recommend: Carta Alta in Giudecca, Venice. Phone: +39 041 2771132. They make all their masks by hand in Venice.
Another very good shop is the Casin dei Nobili showroom, which is in Dorsoduro 2766/b, tel: 0415202873. The video above was taken in their store, and, like Carla Alta, all their masks are made by hand in their own workshop. Their store is a real delight to wander around, full of fascinating treasures.
Carnival Masks by Alex Strahilov
Venice Carnival Tips
• I know this might be ridiculous advice but believe me I have seen poor unknowing souls get it all wrong. Venice Carnival is not a fancy dress party so don't dress like the poor guy I once saw wearing a Superman outfit.
• If you are going to wear a mask at least get a reasonable
period costume. Venetians will think you silly if you're wearing a fancy
mask and casual clothes.
For more great shopping ideas in Venice visit our guide.
You'll Enjoy These...
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
Cannaregio Venice boasts some of the city's finest architecture. Affordable hotels in Venice are rare but this area offers some good options..
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
Maps of Venice Italy features a selection of very useful maps of Venice Italy, Verona and the Veneto. Lots of secret places are marked awaiting your discovery
Looking for a good value hotel in Venice? We discovered a fantastic one this summer; great value and right by the Rialto Bridge
If the hustle and bustle of the usual Venice attractions gets a little much the southern lagoon is a good place to escape to for a few days.
A collection of good photos of Venice and Verona. I hope you enjoy this album featuring the most beautiful city on earth.
St Marks Square is the most beautiful piazza in the entire world - any Venetian will tell you so. Sparkling with light and color. Join me in discovering...
Visiting Venice? Want to explore a little of the wonderful Veneto region in which Venice is located? Then our Veneto & Venice Itinerary is just what you need.
Real Venetian life is lived far from the tourist spots. Down the little canals and lanes is where you'll discover the real Venice.
Personal Venice - Exploring the heart and soul of the most beautiful city on earth. If simply being a tourist is not enough for you then read on....
St Marks Basilica is enchanting. Its Byzantine design seems more Istanbul than Venice, while inside the sense of heavenly light descending through the darkness below is...
Looking for the best books about Venice Italy? Whether it is food, travel or history we may just have the answer for you..
The Metropole Hotel in Venice has a perfect location, right on St. Marks Square and it is billed as one of the most romantic hotels in Venice. Is this really the case? Find out...
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
The Doges Palace is one of those great buildings that tends to exceed even the highest expectations. On a sunny day the building seems to almost float above the Piazza.
Looking for unusual things to do in Venice? Apart from the 6 essentials we feature on the site why not visit a few of the secret corners of Venice? The Dorsoduro is a good place to start...
The Map Venice Italy page contains all the maps you will ever need of Venice and Verona Italy.
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
Gondolas inside and out, piles of books, cats everywhere and a fire escape that involves jumping into a canal. This is the Acqua Alta Bookshop
Come summer I can only take so much history before I need a beach. That's what the Venice Italy Beach Guide is all about. Discovering the best beaches near Venice.
Our guide to Venice Treviso Airport and all you need to know to find the cheapest flights to Venice.
Car rental in Venice can leave you with a sinking feeling. Read our guide to avoid that happening to you...
Castello in Venice is a get away from the theme park feel of St. Marks Square. In some ways this is small town Italy, old ladies gossiping in the squares and...
Of all the canals of Venice the Grand Canal is the greatest - perhaps the most beautiful avenue in the world. A little strange it may be, an avenue of water, yet lined with some of the greatest...
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.