Venice's Carnival

 The Venice Carnival is unique in the world and its

tradition dates back to the 11th century, although it was
not declared a public holiday until two centuries later.
 The Carnival of Venice reached its peak in the eighteenth
century, a time when some aristocrats came from many
different places to the festival, and it was normal for
princes and nobles to escape to enjoy the event.
 For centuries it was the escape route for citizens to
escape the great control of the Venetian government.
With the occupation of Venice by Napoleon's army,
Carnival was prohibited for fear that conspiracies would
be generated. Carnival recovered in 1979.
How does it
develop?
 The magic of the carnival turns Venice into a city of
incanto.
 Carnival usually lasts a couple of weeks, but the most
important days are those that take place between the
first Thursday and the last Tuesday.
 These are called "giovedì grasso" (fat Thursday) and
"martedì grasso" (fat Tuesday), in contrast to the
following "mercoledì delle ceneri" (Ash Wednesday),
which marks the beginning of Lent, a period
traditionally dedicated to fasting . However, weekends
are usually the privileged time for tourists and visitors.
 The center of all events is always Piazza San Marco.
Venetian masks
 Since carnival antiquity, the habit of wearing
masks and costumes has given rise to a
flourishing trade, with specialized artisans
producing increasingly extravagant and
sophisticated masks.
 Among the most famous costumes, especially
in the 17th century, is the so-called "baùta", that
is, a very peculiar white mask that is usually
worn together with a hat and a black cape.
 Women, on the other hand, often wear a suit called "moretta," which
consists of a dark velvet mask that closes the mouth with a button.
Since the wearer cannot speak, this mask is also called "moretta
muta".
 This type of costume, in the past, was also a powerful seduction tool.
In fact, remaining totally silent, the intentions of the masked ladies
were totally indecipherable.
 It was the same lady who could decide how long to remain
anonymous and silent, or whether to yield to the attention of a suitor.
 Taking off the mask, the lady offered, beyond the much desired
vision of her face, also the sound of her voice, considered a faithful
mirror of the soul.
 Costumes and masks are still the main attraction of Carnival and
Venice, which each year becomes the scene of a unique parade, with
traditional costumes dating from the 18th century, or more original
and modern varieties.
Does everyone dress up?
 The vast majority of tourists do not dress up or
simply wear a mask or mask bought in the
thousands of shops and street stalls that abound in
Venice.
 The goal of most visitors is to see Venice at
Carnival and take photos of the best costumes. As
an exception, we have also found couples and
groups of Spaniards who have chosen to go and
rent quality costumes.
Carnival weather

 Taking into account that Venice is very

close to the Alps and that carnival takes
place at the beginning of the year ,it is
advisable to go warm.
 It is very common to snow so it is a good
idea to put warm clothes in the suitcase.
2020 Venice Carnival

 The dates of celebration of the

Venice Carnival in the year
2020 will be from February 8
to 25.
 As every year, if you want to
know Venice on these special
dates, it is essential that you
book the flight and the hotel
as far in advance as possible,
the offers disappear quickly.