Festivals & Events: Carnival

The Masks of Carnival - Carnevale

After the New Year has passed, before the spring or Easter has come, Italy celebrates Carnival with an explosion of costumes, feasts, and balls. The festivities begin on February 2, or Candelmas, and last until Martedi Grasso, or Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). Indulgences across Italy during this time include feasting, parades, serenade balls with full orchestras, and fancy parties.

The Venetians especially are known for their elaborate and fabulous masks, which originally served to protect the identities of gamblers and beggars. The types of masks worn today are based on character types drawn from Italian folklore, history, and society. The masks depict characters ranging from satyrs, demons and lawyers to sailors, bakers and butchers. Most of these creatures have been popularized and crystallized in the Commedia dell' Arte.

For a list of this year's balls, brunches, dinners and parades for the Venetian Carnival, go to www.guestinvenice.com/events. You'll find information on when to see hundreds of costumed boats glide down Grand Canal in the masquerade boat parade, when to see the parade of La Festa Della Marie, and more. The price of admission may require you to dress like one of Venice's famous cast of characters, so be prepared to surrender yourself to the alluring web of Carnival!