Festivals of the World Series – Carnevale di Venezia (Part 4)
Italy, a country flourishing with its rich historical heritage and culture, hosts one of the world's best carnivals in Venice. The two week festival is marked with gorgeous and colourful dresses and the traditional masks. The entire city booms with energy, vigour, and liveliness. It is astonishing to watch the dancers, the musicians, and the gymnasts perform amazingly all around the city. The carnival is popularly known as Carnevale di Venezia.
The History
The history of the famous Carnevale di Venezia dates back many years ago. The word “Carnevale” was first mentioned by Doge Vitale Falier in one of his documents. It was significant is illustrating the celebration by the people for entertainment and amusement. The celebrations happened on the last days before Lent (the fast before Easter). During Lent, the tradition is not to eat meat. In the year 1162, the people of Venice celebrated in rejoice their victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia. As part of the celebrations, they slaughtered pigs and bulls on Shrove Tuesday.
The Carnevale di Venezia got its official status in 1268 and the scale of the festivities increased exponentially. Shrove Tuesday was declared as a holiday. People in huge numbers engaged in indulging in the fun and thrill of the festival marked with enthralling shows and exotic exhibitions. The plethora of events in the city entices visitors from all around the world and transforms the atmosphere into a world of ecstatic joy.
The Jubilant Celebrations
The excitement in the environment during Carnevale di Venezia is dramatic and electrifying. People in varied types of colourful and unique masks move around in the city. They adorn themselves with dazzling coloured attires. Parades are organized in the city with the jugglers, dancers, musicians, magicians, acrobats and other entertainers. Their vivacious and lively performance is remarkable. It is spectacular to watch their extraordinary skills and talent.
During the festival, you can witness an exclusive collection of masks in the shops around the city. The masks are hand-made which portrays the distinctive expertise of the artists. The costumes too speak about the brilliance of the designers. The superb combination of the exotic masks and the brilliantly radiant dresses create a scintillating effect in the historical city of Venice.
Key events in Carnevale di Venezia
A jubilant water parade is held on the first Sunday of the Carnival of Venice. The parade starts around 11 AM in the morning. Boats embellished with superb gleaming bright colours float on the rivers in large numbers. The beauty of the river enriches the charm and enchantment of the boat parade. Next to the river is a big open walk area. Once the parade finishes, a number of food stalls open up along the walkway where people flock in to relive in some delicious food and drinks.
The Festa delle Marie is one of the key attractions held during the second Saturday of Carnevale di Venezia. In the old days, a tradition was followed where the beautiful and fairest young women from Venice were brought before Doge. The women used to arrive in a group of 12. The procession is held now in a similar fashion where stunningly impressive women participate and fascinate the audience.
On the second Sunday of the Carnevale di Venezia, an act is performed by an artist dressed up as an angel. The angel flies across Piazza San Marco, known as St Mark's Square, hanging and balancing on a rope. The act is phenomenal and outstanding to watch the significant skill of the performer.
Tourists are encouraged to participate in the parades, wearing masks of spectacular designs and patterns. A beauty pageant contest helps every year during the Carnival in Venice. The winner of the year before has the privilege of wearing the costume to symbolize the theme of the Carnevale. The moment she descends down from a bell tower, the Carnevale di Venezia is officially initiated.
The Carnival happens during the last week of February to the first week of March. So if you really want to be a part of this stupendously amazing carnival and immerse into the festivities, then you must plan your visit to Italy at this time of the year. You can drench yourselves into the pleasure and charm of the festival, and dwell into a world of enthusiasm and joy.
Featured Image Photo Courtesy : cntraveler.com
Oh my gosh this looks absolutely amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
That is a great idea to put on your bucket list – I just love those masks and costumes 🙂
Wooow this was a festival I wanted to attend years ago.. I always missed it. Looks amazing.
What a nice festival. I like celebrations like this because they come with such a rich history and culture. Also, these things are just FUN.
I think I saw this in one of the latest bond movie, right? Was it Skyfall? Cool that it is really a real festival lol!
Wow! This festival really looks amazing… I would love to attend such events. Thanks for sharing about this event
It sounds and looks like an amazing time! The water parade sounds so interesting and fun!
What fantastic costumes! I would love to be able to partake in an event like this. Great post!
Festivals are fun. It’s not necessary for people to wear outlandish costumes but just being there, joining the hype, will be enough.
These are some interesting celebrations! I love the idea of festivals throughout the year.
I love attending festivals! I love the colorful vibe!
Carnivale is one festival I have always been fascinated by! I looks incredible!
This is such an amazing event. I really wanted to come in here one day. Its gonna be fun and exciting.
This could be an amazing and exciting festival. and it’s very historical. very colorful festival.
I really love this festival. It looks like and masquerade party. Different mask and so colorful outfits. Great!
To me, the Carnevale di Venezia is the best annual festival in the world. Because it is historical, cultural and so extravagant.
These photos are an abundance of color and fun in a clothing disguise. I would love to see the Carnevale di Venezia with my own eyes.
This looks like a wonderful festival to go to! I love the clothing and the traditional masks that they are wearing. They are gorgeous!
Oh a new version of Carnival. I would love to attend this!
I would love to attend. It sounds like it would be a very fun festive. I love the concept of a masquerade party