Festivals of Venice – Carnavale
The Carnavale of Venice is perhaps one of the defining festivals of the city. You cannot go anywhere near the Rialto bridge without seeing some masks and other costume wear for sale. Other websites even have the masks as symbolic icons to represent the city of Venice.
For this year, 2008, the Carnavale is schedule to happen around January 25th to February 5th as it follows the Catholic month of lent. Like other carnivals the one in Venice is meant to celebrate the time after lent. However unlike other carnivals the one in Venice is by far more grand.
The typical food served at this time are fritole and crostoli which are fried sweets that are made in all the coffee shops in the city. If you are visiting there are numerous rental shops that offer costumes for you to wear during this time.
However in order to gain a proper perspective on this celebration one must consider its history and influence in Venice and the Italian culture. The root of this festival is from early pagan sources and was adapted to fit into Catholic rituals. However the oldest record found in regards to this festival dates back to May 2nd, 1268. There is real no evidence that this celebration, in its current incarnation, occurred before this date however it would be logical to assume that it did since it does have early pagan origins.
Since masks hid the persons true identity this time of the year all residents of Venice were considered equal to one degree or another. However several laws were passed in order to ensure the safety and dignity of various groups. For instance it was illegal to talk to nuns with a mask on as this could most likely cause various unsavory people to spread gossip. Also to wear a mask with religious clothes were also strictly forbidden to keep the priest class free from controversy.
The number of disguises that one could wear were immense as you could pretend to be just about anyone you wanted during this time. Costumes for fishermen, barbers, butchers and the gambit were all available during this time. Believe it or not you could actually dress up to be a demon during this festival. Each of these disguises served their purpose for the short period that they were in use. I am sure that this festival kept the populace entertained and rid them of their more unsavory desires for the rest of the year. Either way the festival of Carnavale in Venice is sure to please some that enjoy this type of entertainment.