The origins of the Carnival of Venice are lost in time, with the first records dating back to 1094. The festive period lasted about six weeks, from December 26th to Shrove Tuesday, and coincided with a period of suspension of social rules. Carnival was a time of freedom and fun, when masked people could mix and have fun without distinction of class or wealth.
Traditions:
Masks are the most characteristic element of the Venice Carnival. Among the most famous masks are the bauta mask, the colombina mask, the harlequin mask and the Pantalone mask. Another fundamental element of the Carnival is the flight of the Angel, a spectacular acrobatic descent from the bell tower of San Marco.
Tourist information:
The Venice Carnival is one of the most important tourist events in Italy. Every year it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The city comes alive with parties, shows, concerts and exhibitions.
Here are some general tourist information:
- When: The Venice Carnival usually takes place between January and February.
- How to get there: Venice is easily reached by train, plane and car.
- Where to stay: In Venice it is possible to find a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to bed and breakfasts.
- What to do: During the Venice Carnival you can attend a variety of events, including masked parties, theatrical performances, concerts and exhibitions.
- Tips: To make the most of the Venice Carnival, it is advisable to book your accommodation and tickets for events in advance.
Also, it is important to remember that the Venice Carnival, is a very crowded event. It is therefore advisable to dress comfortably and have an identity document with you.
Useful links:
- Official website of the Venice Carnival: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Venice
- Tourist information on Venice: https://www.visitvenezia.eu/en
- Free guided walking tours in Venice
I hope this information is useful for planning your trip to the Venice Carnival!