| The mystery filled Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of | | | | carnival streets, you won't just see plain masks like |
| Venice) dates back all the way to its first recording in | | | | when it first started, beautiful multi colored gem |
| 1268. The carnival usually starts two weeks before | | | | masks with feathers are everywhere you go as well, |
| Ash Wednesday and ends on the day known as | | | | forming a beautiful clash of past and present and a |
| Mardi gras. | | | | stunning sight. |
| The most prominent thing about this carnival and | | | | So what will you see on a typical day passing through |
| what makes it so special would be its array of | | | | the Venice Carnival? One thing you won't miss would |
| beautiful masks found on almost everyone during this | | | | be the lively Ciarlatani e Saltimbanchi in the piazza San |
| period. Being the central feature, Venetian masks | | | | Marco (Charlatans and tumblers). Since the 17th |
| started simple with its design and decorations, and | | | | century, these have always been the heart of the |
| were said to have a mix of symbolic and practical | | | | carnival, with various types of shows, magic tricks |
| function. To the Venetians, its more than just about | | | | and music to create a light fun-filled atmosphere |
| fun, it's about cultural roots and tradition. | | | | The Venice carnival to date is ever changing. Each |
| The masks can be made both in leather and with the | | | | year they aim to come up with bigger and better |
| original papier-mâché technique. Those | | | | things to involve all the citizens and everyone who |
| worn nowadays are much more exquisite, with | | | | comes to watch this grand happening. Music acts |
| gesso, gems, feathers and everything to make it all | | | | perform from all over the world from Latin bands to |
| glamorous just like the carnival. The three different | | | | Scottish bagpipes. Anything is possible here! The little |
| masks are basically the Bauta, Moretta and Larva. | | | | ones don't get left out either, plays and musical |
| The Bauta mask is considered to be traditionally the | | | | entertainment specially catered to kids' will be |
| "Venetian Mask" with a full faced mask covering | | | | performed in different parts of the street. |
| everything till the cheeks, enabling the wearer to eat | | | | With that said its best to advise you, the carnival |
| and talk easily. | | | | doesn't just happen at one spot, dozens of streets |
| This is usually the most plain of all the 3, in an all | | | | offer different things so do check the calendar of |
| white color unlike the Moretta which is an oval mask | | | | events to make sure you are where you want to. |
| of black velvet and a veil. Today as you walk the | | | | |
