Venice Carnival
Venice is a city of wonders having lot of waterways, bridges and canals and magnificent buildings. As pointed out by an eminent reader the Venice is undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man. Adding more glory to this charming city a great carnival is conducted each year to honor the traditions and customs of the past
Carnival of Venice History
The carnival of Venice is celebrated with great pomp and splendor by the people of Venice. Being an important event of this wonderful city this festival is celebrated for two weeks. Each day around 30,000 tourists visit this city to watch this spectacular event.
It is believed that the carnival was started during 12th century when the royal personalities of the Republic decided to celebrate the day before the starting of Ash Wednesday and ending after Shrove Tuesday. The carnival brings new rhythm and mood to the entire city. The city springs into action making fun everywhere. In Venice, carnival means reversing all the standard norms.
Highlight of Venice Carnival
The highlight of Venice carnival is the mask. Hiding one’s identity in mask is the important event of this festival, thus the people forget the social inequalities for a while. Carnival of Venice is well known festival around the world due to the famous historic masks creation. Venice is also known as “City of Masks” owing to this carnival. Thousands of visitors from east and west arrive at Venice to see the spectacular scene of colored masks during February.
The celebrations of carnival starts with the so called Angel’s Fly known as “Volo della Colombina”. During the past many courageous men would perform various acrobatic movements. Some may walk through the rope from the center place of St. Mark’s Square till the Doge’s Palace. This event would be breathtaking to watch and enjoy.
At the time of carnival any citizen of Venice can be in disguise. People were allowed to wear masks from St. Stephen’s Day December 26th till the period of Shrove Tuesday. Thus they can have merry time wearing disguise which cannot be deducted even by their own family.
The last day of the carnival is called “Martedi Grasso” during which they burn the symbol of carnival at the famous center point of St. Mark’s Square. This tradition is followed till today in this great city. The same day a Contro Carnival is organized by the Church, for absolving the sins associated with the carnival.
You can enter the world of magic where each one will resemble some historical figure during this carnival. The people of Venice still follow the traditional customs and rituals which started during the later half of 12th century. You would be fortunate if you happen to visit this enchanted city during carnival season. The children can have fun to watch the animated figures moving here and there in the city. But be prepared to face a huge crowd during this time. Venice is always crowded during seasons but the tourist crowd will be at its peak during the week of carnival.
Normally masks will be made of leather or using glass work. The original masks used during ancient period were very simple with no design or decoration. But the masks used at present are made from gesso or golden leaf involving lot of hand painted works adorned with gems.
Venice Carnival 2011
Check out all the events for Venice carnival in 2011. Click here to download.