How are the carnivals in Venice? Description, dates, costumes, traveler reviews

Everyone knows about the riot of colors and fun during the passage of the Venice Carnival , and about a million tourists come to the spectacle event. The amazing atmosphere of the holiday infects those who take part in the grandiose procession through the narrow streets of the ancient city. The festive euphoria of the most famous carnival in the world lasts about two weeks, and it's no accident that tourists who dream to visit Italy, time their trip to this incredible show.

History of carnivals

Bright costumed holidays, common in Catholic countries, take their origins from the pagan traditions of the Roman Empire. Annually held Saturnalia - a bright action in honor of harvesting - always passed with mass festivals of joyful hosts and their slaves. It is believed that the beginning of the history of the popular folk festival is 1094, only masks were not worn at that time.

Masks that erase class boundaries

Two centuries later, the annual carnivals in Venice under the open sky turned into a real masquerade at the whim of rich Italians. Surprisingly, aristocrats, contemptuous of their slaves, during the festivities allowed them to sit with them at the same table and eat the most delicious dishes.

To introduce a note of mystery and leave class prejudices for a few weeks, it was decided to put on masks of leather or papier-mache, under which both the rich and the poor hid their faces. It should be noted that until now their production is one of the most profitable articles of Venetian masters. So, hiding under the hand-painted face masks, aristocrats did not hesitate to communicate with those who are below them on the social ladder.

Cheerful way of life

At first colorful carnivals in Venice lasted only two weeks. Over time, the timing of theatrical performances increased to almost six months, and the merry holiday became a way of life for the Italians. At the end of the 15th century, a special fund was created in the city, the means of which were for a large-scale show, and each resident saved money for a new colorful suit and mask. Even the poor who put off coins for six months, appeared on the holiday in rich clothes.

The decree prohibiting masks outside the spectacle

Under the masks, erasing social inequality, terrible crimes were committed. Freedom of action led to shameful debauchery and even murder. Many, considering the wearing of a mask very convenient for themselves, did not remove it after the carnivals. The church, worried about the deteriorating situation in the city, issued a decree at the beginning of the 17th century, according to which all men who hide their face in ordinary life were imprisoned, and women were brutally beaten with rods.

Decline and rise of the holiday show

Gradually cheerful and carefree carnivals in Venice are in decline, the industrial revolution that broke into the country did not have a positive impact on the entertainment activities. Modern life realities crowd out all colorful spectacles, and even a veto is imposed on the celebration to save the city treasury. However, the city on the water, lagging behind the technical process and remembering the age-long history of the existence of carnivals, unexpectedly revives colorful performances in 1979, popularizing the culture of the famous city.

His great contribution to the return of noisy entertainment to the streets of Venice introduced the venerable Italian director F. Fellini with the blessing of the Pope. The great master of fashion industry K. Dior for a long time created amazing carnival costumes for celebrities, amazing sophistication and bright details. He was so impressed by the special festive atmosphere that he even wrote a hymn for the annual mass show, which has been sounding for 20 years in the most romantic city in the world.

Venice, carnival: dates

Costume carnival, which became a national holiday, begins ten to twelve days before the Great Lent. Even the translation of the name of the fantastic parade of masks from the Latin language (carnevale) goes back to the expectation of the great Easter - "goodbye, meat". For many centuries the history of large-scale events in the streets of ancient times passed a huge number of people having fun on the eve of a strict post and bidding farewell to hearty meals.

Most often, memorable for life events take place in the last month of winter. The magic carnival in Venice, the dates of which depend on the beginning of Lent and change from year to year, in 2016 passed from January 23 to February 9. Although earlier the extravaganza began a week earlier and lasted 18 days. Interestingly, the themes of fantastically beautiful processions are also changing, this year they were timed to coincide with the opening of the world exhibition Milan Expo 2015.

Holiday symbol - mask

Everyone who was at the fairy-tale show knows how beautiful Venice is built in those days. Carnival, whose masks are a real cultural phenomenon, attracts an incredible number of visitors who want to capture a unique performance.

Made and hand-decorated masks are unique, in nature there are no two identical. An accessory with an ancient history is divided into several species, which are interesting to learn.

Varieties of face-hiding accessory

The mask with an elongated lower part resembling a beak, and looking very ominously, is called "Bauta." The man who carried it could eat and drink water, and during the conversation was not afraid to be recognized, as the accessory changed the timbre of the voice. Popular mask on the carnival often concealed the faces of royalty, it was often chosen by those who wanted to stroll through the ancient city of incognito. By the way, the famous Casanova preferred to wear it "Bautu".

"Joker" - a man's mask with ringing bells - reminiscent of the appearance of medieval times. "Joly" - a female version of the previous accessory.

"Moretta" is a simple oval mask that does not completely cover the face. It was decorated specially for the carnival and added some elements. Complemented by a dark veil, it was perfect for visiting holy places. At the carnivals in Venice, this mask was worn by beauties, without hiding expressive facial features.

"Lady" - the most luxurious option for a cheerful procession. The original accessory, made of the finest materials, was complemented by high hairstyles and luxurious ornaments. The lady in such a mask always attracted male attention, remaining unrecognized.

Another unique accessory that does not cover half of the face is called "Gatto". I must say that suffering from the invasion of mice Venice always treated with special respect to cats. This mask has become a tribute to pets, and it looks like a cat's face.

Venice, carnival: costumes

Of course, the king of carnivals around the world is famous for the luxury and beauty of costumes, which can be divided into several types.

Most often participants in the carnival dress in historical outfits corresponding to a certain era. Some, wishing to stand out and show belonging to the subculture, surprise passers-by with gothic and cosplay costumes. Often, Italians and tourists who came not just to see the bright show, but also to take part in it directly, choose Piero's dazzling snow-white outfits, which were very popular over 20 years ago.

Someone in advance sews himself a luxurious suit in anticipation of extravaganza, and someone uses the services of shops offering visitors the rental of exquisite masks, raincoats and stunning carnival attires.

Waiting for a new miracle

Riot of colors, noisy fun, amazing extravaganza - it's all different from the famous carnival in Venice. Reviews of tourists about a landmark event are always full of admiration, because it's not for nothing that those who have already taken part in an entertaining phantasmagoria are striving for nothing. The holiday, which takes place in the open air, turns Venice into a huge stage with the most incredible scenery.

Many Italians embrace longing for the time when the festivities lasted several months, and it seemed that the merry holiday would be endless. Magic show allows you to try on each the most incredible roles, the joy of the annual reincarnation sweeps all participants of a large-scale event. When the carnival ends in Venice, and the old streets are filled with silence, there are always those who live the dream of a new meeting with the most anticipated event of the new year.