It’s carnival time in Venice, and the city’s most colourful and exciting side will be on display until February 9th. A festival rooted in centuries old traditions, carnevale is one of the highlights of the year in this already unique city, and an event that all travellers should experience at least once.
What is Carnevale?
It is believed that Carnevale began way back in 1162, as a celebration of a Venetian military victory over the Patriarchate of Aquileia. The people of the city rejoiced, dancing and uniting in Piazza San Marco, and established an annual celebration that coincided with the last two weeks before Lent. The term Carne Vale, Latin for “Farewell to Meat”, points to the celebration being a chance to party and feast before the dreaded 40 days of fasting.
Why the masks?
Nowhere in the world can do masks quite like Venice can. The tradition of mask-wearing in the city goes back to the medieval period, and was limited to the period between Festa di Santo Stefano (26th December) and Shrove Tuesday, the last day before Lent. This led to many using them during the carnival period, and they became synonymous with the festival, with the mask-makers, or mascherari, enjoying a special position in Venetian society.
True Venetian masks were, and still are, made using leather, porcelain or glass, and lavishly decorated with gold leaf, precious gems, and fantastic colours. Various styles exist, such as the hooked beak of the Plague Doctor mask, the mysterious mute Moretta ladies mask, or the now classic Colombina mask, covering only the upper portion of the face.
Which one would suit you? To buy your own you could choose from the myriad of souvenir shops and market stalls, but for a truly special mask, try one of the true mascherari shops. These mask-makers are artisans, lovingly crafting each piece with traditional techniques. Find some of the best at La Bottega dei Mascereri (San Polo 80, Ponte di Rialto), Ca’ Macanà (Calle delle Botteghe 3172), and Tragicomica (Calle dei Nomboli 2800).
Events and Activities
Travellers to Venice can always find many things to do, from visiting St. Mark’s Basilica, to discovering the island of Murano, or taking a romantic gondola ride on the canals. But during carnival, there is no shortage of extra events and activities to view and even get involved in.
Wearing a mask, or just fascinated by all the many others? Then visit Piazza San Marco at 2.30pm every day to see, or enter, the Best Masked Costume Contest. Those who win on 4th-6th February get to be in the Grand Final on 7th February. Whether you are wearing a mask or not, this event lets you see the most stunning and original designs of the year.
Every night can be party night at carnival, but some of the best take place at Arsenale on the nights of 4th, 5th and 6th February. With free live music and fireworks from 7pm each night, those wishing to stay after 11pm can buy admission to a number of parties – from a nightclub DJ-set to an elegant banquet, but the best option for a carnival evening is the King’s Banquet – the gala dinner of Venice. Held at Arsenale every night until the end of Carnival on February 9th, the Banquet is a night of dinner and lavish entertainment – including dancers, magicians, illusionists and, of course, music.
For a traditional-style procession through the city streets, look out for the Ballad of the Masks on 4th February. This parade, from San Bartolomeo to Piazza San Marco, commemorates the victory in 1162 that began the carnival tradition. The big finale in Piazza San Marco is the “beheading of the bull” – though don’t worry, no real bull has been used since the 1700s.
Three “Flights” occur during the carnival period, and all are worth viewing. The first is the Flight of the Angel, which features the previous year’s Maria – winner of the Carnival Beauty Contest – descending on a wire from the top of the Campanile to the stage in Piazza San Marco. The second, the Flight of the Eagle, usually features a female athlete as the Eagle, also descending from the Campanile. The last, and most significant flight, is the Flight of the Lion. Taking place at the end of the last day, this year February 9th, this features a painted image of the traditional symbol of Venice – the winged lion – being raised from Piazza San Marco to the Campanile, while the 12 Marie – the most beautiful women of the carnival – salute the image.
The Festival of the Marie is an old tradition that has been incorporated into Carnevale, and features twelve young women, chosen for their beauty and humbleness, who were originally competing for a wedding dowry – though these days, the prize is simply the title of Maria. On the first weekend of Carnival – this year 30th January, the 12 Marie process through the city from San Piero in Castello to Piazza San Marco, and are introduced to the crowd. On the last day of Carnival (9th February), the women again arrive in Piazza San Marco, this time by boat, for the crowning ceremony of this years Maria, and the official ending of Carnevale. The only thing left to do is find somewhere to celebrate the final night!
Where to Stay
Accommodation can be difficult and expensive in Venice during Carnevale, but there is always somewhere that will suit you. Some of our favourite hotels in Venice are:
Hotel Danieli – The height of elegance and luxury, the Danieli prides itself on its excellence, and is the perfect stay for anyone looking for the best.
Ca’ Sagredo – Located in a 15th Century Palazzo on the Grand Canal, this hotel features great artworks in it’s beautiful rooms, as well as an exquisite restaurant.
Palazzo Sant’Angelo sul Canal Grande – As suggested by the name, this gem of a hotel is perfectly located on the Grand Canal, and guests enjoy private access to its wharf.
Centurion Palace Hotel – While the building is a historic palazzo, this hotel has beautiful contemporary styling, a courtyard bar, and an enviable location at the south end of the Grand Canal.
Are you tempted by Venice during it’s most exciting period? Then contact us at Messenger Travel, and we can help you plan your dream travels to this magical city.
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