 The
Carnival in Venice is said to have originated from an important
victory of the "Repubblica della Serenissima" (Ancient
name of Venice), in the war against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia,
in the year 1162. To celebrate this victory, dances and reunions
started to take place in SAN MARCO SQUARE. The term "carnevale"
comes from the Latin for "farewell to meat" and suggests
a good-bye party for the steaks and stews that Catholics traditionally
gave up during the weeks of fasting before Easter. The masquerade
aspect of Carnival is even older: the Romans celebrated winter with
a fertility festival where masks were worn by citizens and slaves
alike. Another hypothesis suggests that the word comes from 'Carrus
Navalis', which was in times past a Roman festival in honour of
Saturn. This was celebrated with horse drawn carriages that used
to carry men and women in fancy dresses and masks and singing obscene
songs. Today's concept of Carnival, as celebrated in certain countries,
could have possibly originated or at least associated with this
hypothesis.
 When
the carnival first begun it was celebrated from December 26 and
reached its climax the day before Ash Wednesday, also known as "Mardi
Gras". Carnival was the stage of lavish masked balls, Commedia
dell'Arte plays, musical celebrations and costumed parades that
included the different segments of society. Eventualy the mask became
the symbol of the Carnival.
Thus Carnival of Venice is considered one of the world’s
most famous festivals and fills the whole city with musicians, acrobats,
clowns, magicians, puppeteers, beautiful masks, elaborate costumes,
and parades. People come from around the world to participate in
masked balls and general festivities in the ancient Venetian tradition,
and to enjoy theatrical and dance performances, exhibitions and
concerts along the canals, squares and the magnificent palaces of
the city. Carnival traditions are the same, but every year the theme
is different.
 During
the period of Carnival it seems that every excess was permitted
and the fact that everyone wore masks seemed to abolish all social
division. All the open spaces (campi) and the streets were thronged
with people intent on partying, carousing, singing, dancing and
playing games. The most common costume (the baùtta) was composed
of a black silk hood, a lace cape, a voluminous cloak (the tabarro),
and a three-cornered hat and a white mask that completely covered
the wearer's face. This allowed revelers to go around the city incognito.
It would be exciting to visit the Casini, where you could play a
game of chance.
 Since
1980 the celebration of Carnival in Venice has gained popularity.
People come from the world over to attend private and public masked
balls and masked revelers of all ages invade the campi where music
and dancing continues nearly day and night. Theatrical performances
and an array of ancient games are organized for the amusement of
Venetians and visitors alike.
The types of masks and costumes worn today are based on character
types drawn from Italian folklore, history, and society.
Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories:
 The
masks depict characters ranging from. Most of these creatures have
been popularized and crystallized in the Commedia dell’ Arte.
Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like
satyrs, demons and lawyers to sailors, bakers, butchers Harlequin
and Pierrot.
Fantasy masks are figments of the maskmaker's imagination, although
they may be inspired by historical designs.
Traditional Venetian masks such as the white volto half-mask with
nose cover and its variant, the "plague doctor's" mask
with its phallic beak. (According to tradition, the beak was intended
to protect the wearer from being infected by the plague.) |
