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| Costumed revellers enjoy masked anonymity |
Venice's masked festival can be traced back to the
14th century when nobility and commoners alike
donned elaborate disguises. For Carnival season
only Venice turned its social order temporarily on its
head. Masks often depict Commedia dell'Arte
characters. Others are more sinister and worn with
long sweeping cloaks. The 18th century was an era
of "anything goes" that saw gambling dens,
brothels, theatres, cafes, liquor stores (licensed and
illicit) and circus booths featuring exotic animals,
tightrope walkers, fire-eaters and jugglers do a
roaring trade. Today, the Carnival attracts crowds of
costumed revealers of all ages and nationalities -
each hell-bent on entering into the spirit of things.
Festivities run up until the Tuesday before Ash
Wednesday with all-night music and dancing,
though these days Venice's ritzy balls are more
genteel than debauched.
More info: Venice Carnival, Venice Tourism
More info: Venice Carnival, Venice Tourism
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