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.
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
You'll Enjoy These...
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
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...
Come summer I can only take so much history before I need a beach. That's what the Venice Italy Beach Guide is about. Discovering the best beaches near Venice.
Time Magazine calls the Venice Ghetto one of the world's 100 most important places. Join us in a visual exploration of Jewish Venice...
Arriving in the early morning we spent the entire day in Venice. It didn’t take us long to get lost in Venice’s many twist and turns...
Discover the enchantment of Cannaregio, Venice. Meander its historic alleys, savor local flavors, and uncover the soul of this authentic Venetian district.
Of the many lovely Venice churches, this is one that absolutely has to be added to your must-see list when in Venice. Discover why with our guide.
The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
Looking for the best books about Venice Italy? Whether it is food, travel or history we may just have the answer for you..
Getting lost in Venice is the way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. Join us on an adventure down the secret alleys and forgotten canals
A collection of good photos of Venice and Verona. I hope you enjoy this album featuring the most beautiful city on earth.
Which are the best three and four star hotels in Venice Italy? These are my picks. I include only hotels which I can recommend with confidence.
Discover the finest Venice vacation rentals to experience the city like a local. Explore outdoor markets, cook with local produce, and cherish your stay.
A guide to the climate in Venice Italy, advice on the best time to visit Venice and when not to visit, detailed weather forecasts and much more.
These are some of the loveliest photographs of Venice and Italy that I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning is the only way to describe them...enjoy!
All you need to know about flights to Venice Italy and an insider guide to the beautiful cities of Venice and Verona. However you get here make sure you do. Everyone should see Venice and Verona.
The Doges Palace is one of those great buildings that exceed even the highest expectations. On a sunny day the building seems to almost float above the Piazza.
The Jewish or Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was the place where the word first originated. Read more in our guide.
The ItalyMammaMia Blog shares news, beautiful Italian places, recipes and travel advice. We've videos and essential information for planning your next trip to Italy.
Hidden away in secret corners are some really lovely parks and gardens. These Venice Italy attractions are the secret Venice doesn't share with the world.
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
Looking for a flight to Venice or Verona? Our guide is essential reading. From anywhere in Europe or the USA we have your best options.
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 too much, the flamingo-filled Southern Lagoon is a good place to escape to for a few days.
There's so much to see in Venice Italy that you can become overwhelmed. Before you despair, here is the list of the 6 sights you absolutely must see...
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
- 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 peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.