Moonlight Masquerade
Venice, Italy celebrates the Carnival season leading up to Ash Wednesday with a historic and elegant masquerade for the ages. Expect to be entertained by music, theater, and a water parade among other cultural events. Traditional masks play a central role► in this ancient celebration. There are three types of masks typified in the Italian masquerade.
- The bauta is the most common and covers the upper face, nose, and cheeks while allowing the wearer to eat, drink, and speak freely. The bauta was used in both Carnival and everyday life to preserve anonymity.
- Moretta masks originated in France. Moretta means “dark” and represents the mysterious. It is feminine and covers the face with soft curves.
- Volto (larva) are the simplest masks covering the entire face with decorated white and are accompanied by a cloak
The mascherari, or professional mask makers, have prestigious social roles in society, with statues honoring them dating back to 1436. Masks allow members from all classes of society to celebrate together while disguising their identities.
This festival feels like stepping back in time. The festival ends on “Fat Tuesday” or exactly 40 days before Easter. Relive the spirit of the Renaissance behind the veil of a mask, and explore the water canals and history of Venice. You can fly directly to Venice, or reach it by bus from other major cities in Italy.
“The Flight of the Angel”► is the official opening event in St. Marks Square, which is not to be missed, begins at noon and commemorates the 16th century Turkish acrobats who wowed crowds with daring tightrope walks. In the modern-day celebration an “angel” flies on a steel cable above the crowd to the string music of Vivaldi.
There are all sorts of Carnival balls, moon masquerades, Carnival bar crawls and discos to choose from. Bring your camera and wallet - you’ll need both.
This festival feels like stepping back in time. The festival ends on “Fat Tuesday” or exactly 40 days before Easter. Relive the spirit of the Renaissance behind the veil of a mask, and explore the water canals and history of Venice. You can fly directly to Venice, or reach it by bus from other major cities in Italy.
“The Flight of the Angel”► is the official opening event in St. Marks Square, which is not to be missed, begins at noon and commemorates the 16th century Turkish acrobats who wowed crowds with daring tightrope walks. In the modern-day celebration an “angel” flies on a steel cable above the crowd to the string music of Vivaldi.
There are all sorts of Carnival balls, moon masquerades, Carnival bar crawls and discos to choose from. Bring your camera and wallet - you’ll need both.
- Airport Codes: VCE
- Dangers: Petty theft, Global Warming
- Info (Wikipedia)
- Language: Italian
- Venice Profile (Wikipedia)
- Weather: Cool, chance of rain
- Weather Link
- February 11 - 21, 2012
- Feb 1 - 12, 2013
- Feb 22 - Mar 4, 2014
| Month | February |
| Categories | Art & Performance, Cultural Events, Europe, Family Friendly, Religious Celebrations, Weird & Quirky |
| Adult Price | Free |
| Price details | Free in the streets but masquerade balls are very expensive as is Venice |
| Website | http://www.carnivalofvenice.com |
| Dates | February/March |