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03.02.2022 712
The History of the Venetian Carnival Mask
One of the most magnificent cities of all time, Venice is a sight to behold every year at the Venice Carnival. Would you like to learn more about the history and Venetian masks of the Venice Carnival, one of the most interesting and colorful carnivals in the world?
The History of the Venetian Mask
There are many rumors about how the Venetian carnival started in the 13th century. While there is no clear historical reason, historians have some ideas as to why. According to the most widely held belief, the celebration began with the victory of Patriarch of Aquileia II in 1162. These annual carnival-like celebrations become a long-standing tradition.
Another strong estimate is that by the end of the plague epidemic in 1348, half the city's population had died; It has become a tradition for surviving patients to wear masks and long clothing to hide their wounds. After all, wearing masks eliminates the image and class differences between rich and poor and ensures equality in society. Wouldn't it be a completely different experience to visit Venice Carnival, one of the most colorful carnivals in the world?
Barrier to Venice Festival by Napoleon
In 1797 Napoleon took over the city and the years of carnival celebrations came to an end. Napoleon forbade the wearing of costumes and all other entertainment. For this reason, in 1979 the reorganization of the Venice Festival, which had not been celebrated for 200 years, began in order to revitalize tourism. Since then, the colorful costumes and masks worn during Carnival have made the city a center of attraction.
When and where is Carnival celebrated in Venice?
The Venice Carnival is one of the festivals organized according to the Christian religious calendar. Christians fast what they call Lent, which lasts 40 days. This fasting, in which animal-based foods are avoided, begins every year on Ash Wednesday. Carnival in Venice begins on Saturday, lasts 11 days and ends on Penitential Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. The festival takes place in Venice's famous St. Mark's Square. Here you will see performances reminiscent of medieval scenes, events and festival-goers wearing thousands of different masks.
The colorful Venice Carnival attracts the attention of every country in the world every year. For more information about the festival, which will take place this year from February 12th to March 1st, you can consult the website https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/.
What are the carnival events in Venice?
During the 11-day Venice Festival, many events, competitions and various performances take place in St. Mark's Square. In addition to the shows during the day, various parties and classical concerts take place in the evenings.
One of the most famous events of the carnival is the “Best Costumes and Masks Contest” held on the last day. It's fair to say that the designers who aspire to this honor have worked hard all year for this special day.
What are the characteristics of the masks used in the Venice Carnival?
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Masks are undoubtedly one of the oldest parts of Venetian culture. For example, if we look back at the city's historical process, we see epidemics, wars and political unrest all carrying mask culture into the fabric of Venice.
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Masks used in the Venice Carnival are usually made of glass, porcelain, plaster and leather. Probably the most commonly used mask is a type of mask called a buata, which covers areas such as the forehead, eyes, and nose. This mask is more comfortable to use than other types of masks and also offers easy breathing.
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Masks are the main feature of the carnival and are prepared every year according to the theme set by the festival committee. In addition, during the festival, many entertainment events, concerts and various organizations corresponding to the established theme are held in almost all parts of Venice. Although Venice Carnival is synonymous with masks, you can visit the festival without a mask.
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