The masks, glittering dresses and charm of Casanova looking for his pray during a masquerade ball, you need no more recommendation to enter the world of Venetian Carnevale.
The medieval carnival started on December 26 and lasted till Shrove Tuesday.During these nearly two months people disguised themselves in antique or extravagant dresses hiding behind the masks, to behave rather freely before the strict Lent. The Venetian balls became so popular in Europe, bringing thousands of visitors a year, so there was even the special guilt of mascarei ( mask-makers ) to supply the guests with disguise dresses.
Today’s Carnevale is limited to the ten days leading up to Lent, and it is a time to see and to be seen. People could wear just a simple mask, or the uniform with the price reaching thousands of Euro. Every year is held a special contest to find the best disguise.
This year’s Carnival in Venice will be themed ‘Ottocento’ – and bring 19th century dresses, top hats, corsets or crinolines.19th century brought the Italian Unification in 1866, ending Austrian occupation in Venice, thus added even more joy and happiness to the Carnival celebrations.
The main attractions will be held between 26th February and 6th March, but a week earlier this year on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th commences the special prelude directed to the visitors welcomed with the ‘grand toast’, during these days the fountains of Venice will be filled with wine instead of water.
Venice Carnevale
During the carnival many of street theatres an circuses will give their performances, and Venetian churches will stay open till late night, to give time for songs and music concerts.
There will be played movies about 19th century Venice, many of exhibitions and galleries will follow the theme, and there will be space to taste the local specialities in the restaurants and hotels, like famous Palazzo Cà Vendramin Calergi.
GRAND TOAST IN VENICE
Saturday February 4th, 7pm-8pm
Piazzetta San Marco
FESTA VENEZIANA
The regatta parade ended in the city centre – Piazza San Marco
Sunday February 5th, from 10am
Canal Grande and Cannaregio
FESTA DELLE MARIE
The Doge chooses the most humble one among 12 selected Venetian girls.
Saturday February 11th, from 2pm (from San Pietro di Castello), arrival in Piazza
San Marco for the Prize Giving, 4pm ca.
Tuesday February 21st, from 3.30pm (departure of the water parade from S. Giacomo
dell’Orio, arrival in Piazza San Marco at 5pm for the Prize Giving).
Sestiere of Castello and San Marco.
THE FLIGHT OF THE ANGEL
The angel flights down ( on a rope ) from Campanille tower to greet the Doge.
Sunday February 12th, 12pm
Piazza San Marco
THE BEST MASKED COSTUMES CONTEST
Casting:
February 12th, 4pm
February 13th – 17th, 11pm-2pm and 4pm-5pm
Conclusion:
Tuesday, February 21st, from 3pm
Piazza San Marco
THE FLIGHT OF THE DONKEY
a parody of flight of the angel
Sunday, February 19th, 12pm
Piazza Ferretto, Mestre
THE SILENT REGATTA
the silent one as it enters the quiet world of Lent
Tuesday, February 21st, Midnight
[photo courtesy of pierrepaul43]