Everyone knows about the riot of colors and fun during the Venice Carnival , and about a million tourists come to the entertainment event. The amazing atmosphere of the holiday infects those who take part in the grand procession through the narrow streets of the ancient city. The festive euphoria of the most famous carnival in the world lasts about two weeks, and it is not by chance that tourists who dream of visiting Italy coincide with their trip to this incredible show.
History of Carnivals
Bright costumed holidays, common in Catholic countries, take their roots from the pagan traditions of the Roman Empire. The annual Saturnalia - vivid events in honor of the harvest - always took place with mass festivities of joyful hosts and their slaves. It is believed that the beginning of the history of the popular national holiday is the year 1094, only masks were not worn in those days.
Masks that erase class boundaries
Two centuries later, the annual open-air carnivals in Venice turned into a real masquerade at the whim of wealthy Italians. Surprisingly, aristocrats, contemptuous of their slaves, during the festivities allowed them to sit at the same table with themselves and eat the most delicious dishes.
To add a touch of mystery and leave class prejudices alone for several weeks, it was decided to wear masks made of leather or papier-mâché, under which both rich and poor hid their faces. It should be noted that so far their production is one of the most profitable articles of Venetian masters. So, hiding under their hand-painted face masks, the aristocrats communicated with those who were below them on the social ladder without hesitation.
Fun lifestyle
At first, colorful carnivals in Venice lasted only two weeks. Over time, the timing of theatrical shows increased to almost six months, and a fun holiday became a way of life of Italians. At the end of the 15th century, a special fund was even created in the city, the funds of which went to a large-scale show, and each resident saved money for a new colorful costume and mask. Even the poor, setting aside coins for six months, presented at the festival in rich outfits.
Decree banning masks outside of spectacles
Under the masks, erasing social inequality, terrible crimes were committed. Freedom of action led to shameful profligacy and even murder. Many, considering wearing a mask very convenient for themselves, did not remove it even after the carnivals. The church, worried about the deteriorating situation in the city, issued a decree at the beginning of the 17th century, according to which all men hiding their faces in ordinary life were imprisoned and women brutally slaughtered with rods.
The demise and rise of the festive show
Gradually, funny and carefree carnivals in Venice fell into decay, the industrial revolution that burst into the country did not have the best effect on entertainment events. Modern life realities supplant all colorful spectacles, and even a veto is imposed on the celebration in order to preserve the city treasury. However, the city on the water, lagging behind the technical process and remembering the centuries-old history of the existence of carnivals, unexpectedly revives colorful events in 1979, popularizing the culture of the famous city.
His venerable contribution to the return of noisy entertainment events on the streets of Venice was made by the venerable Italian director F. Fellini with the blessing of the Pope. The great master of the fashion industry K. Dior for a long time created amazing carnival dresses for celebrities, striking with an exquisite cut and bright details. He was so impressed with the special festive atmosphere that he even wrote an anthem for the annual mass show, which has been played for 20 years in the most romantic city in the world.
Venice Carnival: dates
The fancy-dress carnival, which has become a national holiday, begins ten to twelve days before the beginning of Lent. Even the translation of the name of the fantastic parade of masks from the Latin language (carnevale) is rooted in the expectation of a great Easter - “goodbye, meat”. Over the centuries-old history of large-scale events on the ancient streets, a huge number of people have passed, having fun on the eve of strict fasting and saying goodbye to hearty meals.
Most often, life-long events take place in the last month of winter. The magic carnival in Venice, the dates of which depend on the beginning of Lent and change from year to year, in 2016 was held from January 23 to February 9. Although earlier the extravaganza began a week earlier and lasted 18 days. Interestingly, the themes of fantastically beautiful processions are also changing, this year they were timed to coincide with the opening of the world exhibition Milan Expo 2015.
Holiday symbol - mask
Everyone who was on a fabulous show knows how beautiful Venice built on water is in those days. The carnival, whose masks are a real cultural phenomenon, attracts an incredible number of visitors who want to capture a unique performance.
Handcrafted and hand-painted masks are unique; in nature there are no two identical ones. An accessory with ancient history is divided into several types, which are interesting to learn about.
Varieties of face-hiding accessory
The mask with an elongated lower part, resembling a beak, and looking very ominous, is called “Bauta”. The person wearing it could eat food and drink water, and during the conversation he was not afraid to be recognized, since the accessory changed the timbre of the voice. The mask popular at the carnival often hid the faces of royal women, it was often chosen by those who wanted to stroll through the ancient city incognito. By the way, Casanova, known to everyone, preferred to wear Bautu.
The Joker, a masculine mask with ringing bells, resembled medieval times in appearance. "Joli" is a female version of the previous accessory.
Moretta is a simple oval mask that does not completely cover the face. It was specially decorated for the carnival and some elements were added. Complemented by a dark veil, it was ideal for visiting holy places. Beauties put on such a mask at carnivals in Venice, not hiding expressive features.
"Lady" is the most luxurious option for a fun procession. An original accessory made of the best materials was complemented by high hairstyles and luxurious jewelry. A lady in such a mask has always attracted male attention, remaining unrecognized.
Another unique accessory that does not cover half the face is called the Gatto. I must say that Venice, suffering from the invasion of mice, has always been especially respectful to cats. This mask has become a tribute to pets, and it looks like a cat's face.
Venice, carnival: costumes
Of course, the king of carnivals around the world is famous for the luxury and beauty of costumes, which can be divided into several types.
Most often, carnival participants dress in historical outfits corresponding to a particular era. Some, wanting to stand out and show belonging to a subculture, surprise passers-by with Gothic and cosplay costumes. Often Italians and tourists who came not only to watch a bright show, but also to take a direct part in it, choose Pierrot's dazzling snow-white outfits, which were especially popular more than 20 years ago.
Someone pre-sews himself a luxurious costume in anticipation of an extravaganza, and someone uses the services of shops offering visitors rental of exquisite masks, cloaks and stunning carnival robes.
Waiting for a new miracle
A riot of colors, noisy fun, amazing extravaganza - all this distinguishes the famous carnival in Venice. Reviews of tourists about a significant event are always full of admiration, because it is not in vain that those who have already taken part in the entertaining phantasmagoria more than once seek here. The festival, held in the open, turns Venice into a huge stage with the most incredible scenery.
Many Italians are overwhelmed by the time when the festivities lasted several months, and it seemed that the cheerful holiday would be endless. The magic show allows everyone to try on the most incredible roles, the joy of the annual reincarnations engulfs all the participants in a large-scale event. When the carnival ends in Venice and the old streets are filled with silence, there are always those who live the dream of a new meeting with the most anticipated event of the new year.