What is the Carnival of Venice?
Quick answer
The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is a festival held in Venice, Italy, in the weeks before Lent, famous for its elaborate masks and costumes. It dates back to at least the 12th century. It faded after the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797 and was revived in 1979.
Key facts
- City
- Venice, Italy
- When
- About two weeks before Ash Wednesday
- First recorded
- 12th–13th century
- Revived
- 1979
Why masks?
Masks allowed Venetians of every class to hide their identity, mixing freely and breaking social rules. At times, people wore masks for months each year, and the city passed laws to limit their use, for example banning masks in churches.
Traditional mask types
| Mask | Description |
|---|---|
| Bauta | Covers the whole face, with a jutting chin so the wearer can eat and drink; often worn with a black cloak and tricorn hat |
| Moretta | A small oval black velvet mask for women, held in place by biting a button |
| Volto (or Larva) | A plain white full-face mask |
| Colombina | A half-mask covering the eyes, often decorated with gold and feathers |
| Medico della Peste | The long-beaked “plague doctor” mask, based on 17th-century doctors’ protective gear |
Venice’s mask makers, called mascherari, had their own guild from the 15th century.
Carnival events
- The Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo): a costumed performer “flies” on a wire from the bell tower of St. Mark’s to the square below.
- The Festa delle Marie: a parade and contest recalling a medieval legend.
- Costume contests in St. Mark’s Square.
- Private masked balls in historic palaces.
Decline and revival
When Napoleon ended the Venetian Republic in 1797, Carnival largely stopped and was later banned for long periods. In 1979, the city revived it, partly to boost tourism in winter.
Carnival around the world
Venice’s Carnival is famous for elegance, while Brazil’s is famous for samba; see what the Rio Carnival is.
For the canals of the city itself, see which city is famous for canals and gondolas.
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