Page 36 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

34  INTRODUCING VENICE AND THE VENE T O

Venetian Masks and the Carnival

The Venetian gift for intrigue comes into its own
during the Carnival, a vibrant, playful festival
preceding the abstinence of Lent (see p36). Masks
and costume play a key role in this anonymous
world; social divisions are dissolved, participants
delight in playing practical jokes, and anything
goes. The tradition of Carnival in Venice began
in the 11th century and reached its peak of
popularity and outrageousness in the 18th
century. Industrialization left little leisure Modern Carnival Revellers
time and Carnival fell into decline, but was Since 1979, each year sees more lavish
successfully revived in 1979. costumes and impromptu celebrations.
Laws forbidding the The high spirits of Venetian
wearing of costly lace were women scandalized many
suspended at Carnival. foreign observers.

The Plague Doctor
This sinister Carnival garb is
based on the medieval doctor’s
beaked face-protector and
black gown, worn as a
precaution against plague.
Traditional Mask
Celebration
Carnival in the 18th century
began with a series of balls in
the Piazza San Marco, as in
this fresco on the walls
of Quadri’s famous café in
the square (see p78).

Gambling at the Ridotto
Fortunes were squandered
every night of Carnival at the
state-run casino depicted in
Guardi’s painting (c.1768).

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