Carnival, as a worldwide party, cannot be conceived without the traditional Carnival of Venice. The city of canals, already famous throughout the globe, can boast of having the most sophisticated and elegant carnivals today, and one of the oldest.
The origins of this popular celebration date back to the 13th century, although there are already written references to the term ‘ carnavale ‘ in the year 1094, when the rulers of the city gave permission to the common people to celebrate a few days of festivities.
The first official document in which the Carnival of Venice appears dates back to the year 1296, when the then Senate of the Republic of Venice declared the day before the start of Lent a public holiday.
The Venetians have experienced the evolution of their Carnival throughout history, including prohibitions such as the one established by Napoleon Bonaparte during the occupation of Venice by the French.
The Carnival of Venice today
Today, the Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous in the world. After two centuries of prohibitions, the celebration was recovered by the initiative of neighborhood associations in 1979, until today.
For two weeks, Venetians and visitors alike can take part in the multitude of carnival activities that take place in the streets and canals, or in the balls and costume contests in the ancient stately palaces.
As a highlight of the festivities, the famous ‘ Volo dell’Angelo ‘, where an acrobat descends on a rope from the bell tower of San Marco to the Doge’s Palace. Its origin dates back to the 16th century, when it was performed for the first time by a Turkish acrobat.
Venice Carnival: masks and costumes full of history
Undoubtedly, one of the most characteristic elements of this Carnival are the traditional masks. Originally, they were worn by the aristocrats of the city to blend in with the people. Its use, not always for festive reasons, has led to the imposition of various regulations over the centuries.
Today’s costumes are actually 17th century Venetian period costumes, some original and others inspired by the fashion of the time, making them almost true works of art, far removed from the concept of carnival in other countries.
Both costumes and masks were used in the past as a way to hide the social status of the inhabitants of the canal city for a few days of fun and debauchery.