Besides canals and gondolas, chances are that when you think of Venice, you think of its annual Carnevale, a city-wide celebration of masks, costumes and colors that takes place in the days preceding the start of Lent. This year's Carnevale began on January 23 and will end on February 9.
The festival is known throughout the world for its elaborate masks that correspond to different occupations. For example, in the Commedia dell'arte, Colombina was a maid. Legend has it that the actress who portrayed Colombina did not wish to cover her entire face; therefore, the "Colombina" is a half mask that only covers the wearer's eyes, nose and upper cheeks.
Harlequin or "Arlecchino" is another character in the Commedia dell'arte. He is portrayed as devoid of reason and full of emotion and is usually either a peasant, servant or a slave. His originally wooden and later leather half-mask painted black depicts him as having a short, blunt, ape-like nose, a set of wide, round, arching eyebrows, a rounded beard, and always a "bump" upon his forehead meant to signify a devil's horn.
According to The Telegraph, the Venetian propensity for hiding behind masks was legendary due to a rigid caste system that allowed opportunities to participate in activities that would make anonymity desirable. In the 13th Century, laws were passed banning masks while gambling and later laws made it illegal to wear masks during religious festivals. The Carnevale tradition rose because of these laws as it was permitted to wear masks in the period between December 26 and Shrove Tuesday.
The French took command of Venice in 1797 and banned the festivities. Carnevale was revived in 1979 as a way to increase tourism to Venice during the winter months. The festival now lasts for two weeks in the run-up to Lent.
A commonly-used saying during Carnevale is "È Carnevale... ogni scherzo vale!" This translates to "It is Carnevale, every joke is allowed." Or, as they say in New Orleans for their Mardi Gras... "Let the good times roll!"
The French took command of Venice in 1797 and banned the festivities. Carnevale was revived in 1979 as a way to increase tourism to Venice during the winter months. The festival now lasts for two weeks in the run-up to Lent.
A commonly-used saying during Carnevale is "È Carnevale... ogni scherzo vale!" This translates to "It is Carnevale, every joke is allowed." Or, as they say in New Orleans for their Mardi Gras... "Let the good times roll!"
Great post Stephanie!
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