Venice, Italy – Few cities in the world spark feelings of romanticism as strongly as Venice. This archipelago paradise, comprised of 118 mini-islands, sits in the shallow waters of the Venetian Lagoon in the north of Italy. The “Floating City” or “City of Canals” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinguished by its beautiful architecture and close relationship with the creative arts. At the core of this relationship is one of Venice’s most renowned traditions: Carnevale di Venezia.
The Carnival of Venice traces its origins to the year 1162 when the people of the city gathered in San Marco Square to celebrate their victory against the Patriarch of Aquileia. Thereafter, the festival continued, becoming official during the Renaissance period that started in the 14th century, and where Venice played a significant role in the history of art, symphonic music and opera.
During the 18th century, the carnival became world-famous due to its lavish baroque costumes, and intricate masks. Though the use of masks in Venice dated back to earlier centuries, the practice re-emerged during this period as the symbol of the carnival. People were allowed to wear masks from Ascension (October 5) to Shrove Tuesday (in either February or March), which marked the end of the carnival season.
Travelers from all over the world were seduced by the Carnevale di Venezia and its celebration of hedonism, the masks shielding their wearer’s identity during promiscuous and decadent activities. Under the concealment of identity, Venice -a city enjoying a high standard of living during this period- became even more self-indulgent. With a large number of travelers coming through the city, sexual promiscuity became rampant and acceptable. Gambling became common, fashion more daring, and homosexuality, though not acceptable in public, was embraced in private. Carnival also became a way to escape the calamities of the times. Due to the demand for masks, mask makers held a distinctive position in society, protected by their own laws, and with their own guild.