Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival became extremely popular during the eighteenth century. When aristocrats from all over the world would attend the annual festival. The carnival there gained an enormous amount of popularity. Royal families and other members of the nobility from neighboring countries. That would also attend and participate in the festival by donning extravagant masks and costumes.

It was one of the few ways that Venetian residents could break free of the influence. That the Venetian authority exerted over them for centuries. When Napoleon entered Venice, the Carnival was canceled out of fear that Venetians. Would plot against the French forces who had invaded their city. The festival was not scheduled to make its official return until 1979. When the Italian government made the decision to encourage the promotion of Venetian culture and history.

What is the Venice Carnival?

This is one of the most often asked questions here at Venice Events. The carnival’s theatrics and grandeur are difficult to overlook. But some outsiders are perplexed as to why the Venice Carnival celebrated. The genesis of carnival is very removed from its present manifestation.

The Venice Carnival originated in 1162 to celebrate the victory of the Venetian Republic over its nemesis,. It is the Patriarch of Aquileia. The inhabitants of Venice congregated in San Marco Square to dance and celebrate their win. Since that time, the triumph has been commemorated in the streets of Venice. As time passed, the carnival was enjoyed for its own purpose. And the majority of revelers were likely unaware of its origins. It was merely an excuse to have a great time!

The Venice Carnival continued for centuries until it was prohibited in 1797. While Venice was under the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. The employment of masks by Venetians to conceal their identity was also prohibited at the time. Occasionally, during the 19th century, the festival returned for small periods, but it always held privately. Without the massive public displays and celebrations that now associated with it!

In 1979, the Italian government intended to assist Venice in reconnecting. With its festival legacy in order to revitalize the city’s culture and economy. The city’s tourism business also seen an increase in interest. Obviously, this was a brilliant initiative on the part of the Italian government. And over the years the Venice Carnival has become one of the world’s largest and most popular festivals.

How does it work?

The Carnival of Venice is an event that cannot compared to other carnivals, such as those held in Brazil or Spain. People get dressed up for the festival, which lasts for ten days. And either take part in organized parades or just simple processions on the street. This same parades and processions can be formal or informal.

Outfits are reproductions of Venetian garb from the seventeenth century. And look as though they taken from one of Canaletto’s paintings.

During this time period, there are a lot of parties and activities planned out. Some of them are private. Making it impossible to get in unless you have a connection with someone who can get you an invitation. If the parties are not private, then they are pricey. And the price of a ticket will be close to 500 Euros (about 497.30 US Dollars).

The First Carnival

It thought that the tradition of celebrating the Venice Carnival began in 1162. When the triumph over Ulrich II of Treven, the Patriarch of Aquileia. That celebrated (an ancient Roman city in Italy). Urich II and his 12 vassals taken prisoner and subsequently released under one condition. Every year on Holy Thursday. This same Patriarch required to give a tribute to Venice consisting of a bull and 12 pigs. Which then sacrificed in front of Venetians in the Piazza San Marco to celebrate the triumph. On that day, street parties, games, dancing, and bonfires would dominate the city’s streets.

By the 18th century, the Venice Carnival had become one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. Drawing visitors from throughout the continent. The celebrations lasted for six months of the year. During that era, Venice recognized as a gambling hub, the ‘Las Vegas’ of its time. It was a venue where music and dancing occurred practically continuously. This period also connected with the Venetian painters Francesco Guardi and Giacomo Casanova. A famous adventurer and womanizer from Venice.

Unfortunately, after Napoleon signed the Treaty of Campo Formio and Venice. Became part of the Austrian-held Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia in 1797, the Venice Carnival declined. On January 18, 1798, the Austrians seized possession of the entire city. And Carnival practically vanished for the next two centuries. In the 1930s. The fascist regime outlawed Venice Carnival, and it not reintroduced until the 1980s. With its own traditions and celebrations. Making Venice one of the most popular Carnival destinations for tourists worldwide.

Anti-Mask Law

The masquerade costumes and masks have traditionally been the centerpiece of the Venice Carnival. Historically, masks had both symbolic and practical functions. During prior Venice Carnivals. The streets of Venice filled with individuals wearing masks to conceal their identities. And eliminate socioeconomic distinctions. In addition, masks helped the wearer to conceal his identify during illicit and deviant acts.

The first known reference of people wearing masks dates back to 1268. When masked individuals prohibited by law from participating in various games.

When the Great Council forbade throwing perfumed eggs filled with rose water at passing women. Mattaccino masks the first masks to governed by law. They worn by young nobles in clown costumes. This ‘game’ grew out to be so popular that the authorities decided to construct nets. To protect the ladies’ expensive clothing from soiled.

In 1339, another decree barred masked individuals from accessing nun’s convents. As well as from painting their faces and wearing artificial beards and wigs. (In order to protect people from robbers and murders who regularly wore them). The absence of any other historical sources. Regarding masking shows that they not often worn prior to the 13th century.

Does everyone dress up?

During Carnival, the vast majority of tourists do not dress up. They prefer to simply stroll about and take in the extravagant costumes. And masks that people are wearing. Although some of them do wear masks that they have purchased from one of the city’s many street vendors.

The basic plan is for vacationers to stroll all over the city and capture pictures of the most creative. And striking masks and costumes they come across. There are, of course, people who travel all the way to Venice. In order to rent gorgeous outfits for the event.

Venice Carnival 2023

In the year 2023, the dates for the Venice Carnival will be the 16th through the 21st of February.

If you are thinking about going to Venice during this week. You will need to make your hotel and flight reservations as soon as you can. Just like you have to do every year. During this time, the city quickly overrun by people.