Visit traditional Venetian carnival costumes are one of the wonders of this event.
Every year, the carnival welcomes many festival-goers who come to show off their finest costumes.
It may seem difficult to find one's way around all these figures.
I've put together a full article on the different costumes you'll encounter at Carnival in Venice.
Venice carnival costumes: article summary
Venice's traditional Carnival costumes: the history of this rich tradition
Carnival has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the XIᵉ century. In reality, it was originally a time of celebration and indulgence before the start of Lent. Carnival was a way for people to let loose and before the austerity of this religious celebration.
Over time, this period has become more elaborate and sophisticated in Venice. There are grand balls and parades featuring ornate carnival costumes and masks.
Masks allowed people to escape their social roles and class distinctions. They allowed them to be someone else for a short period of time.
In the XVIIIᵉ and XIXᵉ centuries, Carnival became a major cultural event. People from all walks of life gathered to enjoy the festivities.
Today, it is an integral part of the city's heritage and identity. It attracts visitors from all over the world to discover the unique and unforgettable costumes and characters of Venice Carnival.
Venice Carnival's most famous costumes and masks
Some of the most famous masks and characters are typical of Venice. Other masks are part of Commedia dell'arte, an early form of professional theater that spread throughout Italy between the XVIᵉ and XVIIIᵉ centuries.
The Bauta: Venice's most famous carnival mask
The Bauta mask is a traditional Venetian mask. It covers the entire face and is characterized by a white base and a wide, pointed nose. It is generally worn wearing a black cape and tricorne hat.
The Bauta mask has a long history and was originally worn by men of all social classes.
It was a popular choice for masquerades. It allowed them to eat, drink and talk freely without revealing their identity. The mask was also worn by politicians and civil servants at official ceremonies and events.
Legends surrounding the Bauta mask include the belief that the famous Venetian adventurer Casanova used it.
The Moretta: protecting women's identity
The Moretta mask is a traditional Venetian mask worn by women.
It's a small, oval-shaped mask made of velvet or black leather that covers the face. The mask is held in place with a button or ribbon that fits between the teethAnd it has no eyeholes, meaning the wearer has to rely on touch and hearing to navigate.
It was considered a sign of modesty and virtue. The mask protected the wearer's identity and discouraged unwanted attention.
Legends surrounding the Moretta mask include the belief that courtesans and ladies of the night used it to protect their identity and reputation.
The Medico della Peste: one of the scariest costumes at the Venice Carnival
The Medico della Peste mask, also known as the plague doctor mask, is a traditional mask. worn by doctors and healthcare workers during periods of plague and epidemics.
This mask features a long, pointed beak and round glass eyepieces. The mask is usually worn with a long black cape and a wide-brimmed hat.
The "médico della peste" mask was designed to protect the wearer from the diseases he was treating. The mask's long beak was filled with fragrant herbs and spices, meant to purify the air and protect the wearer from the plague. It was also designed to protect the wearer's identity, as people were often afraid to come into contact with plague victims.
The Mattacino: one of the most typical and colorful of masks
It's a kind of clown in a multicolored costume. The Mattacino mask used to throw perfume-filled eggs using a kind of slingshot.
As women were often the target, the authorities have decided to ban the throwing of scented eggs.
The Mattacino figure is widespread in many parts of Veneto and in some parts of the Alto Adige region.
Bernadone's mask
Bernardone's mask depicts a beggar dressed in a few filthy rags. It shows the wounds and sores caused by a dissolute youth later marked by syphilis.
The "Gnaga" mask
In the Venetian dialect, "Gnaga" comes from the cat's meow. It was a very common disguise for young homosexuals qhid their sexual preferences for the rest of the year.
The young men circled the Venetian bridges, meowing and carrying a basket with a kitten.
From a distance, the mask looks like an ordinary housewife, but up close, its transvestite nature is obvious.
It symbolizes the corruption and depravity of Venice in the age of the Republic.
Find out more about Venice's traditional carnival costumes
Carnival has undergone many changes over the years. Costumes and characters have evolved with it.
Traditional masks and costumes come out of the workshops of skilled craftsmen. They use traditional techniques and materials. Despite the price, many tourists and Venetians still enjoy renting and wearing costumes and masks, and displaying them during the Venetian carnival.
In addition to traditional masks and costumes, Carnival has also seen the introduction of more modern outfits and characters.
Many carnival-goers now create their own costumes and masks, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including pop culture, films and video games. This has led to a more diverse mix of costumes and characters at the carnival, and made it more accessible to a wider audience.
Despite these changes, it remains a beloved tradition and an important part of the city's cultural identity. In fact, it's a time when people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the city's unique and rich historyThis continues to attract visitors from all over the world, who are drawn by the spectacle and charm of the costumes.
How to take part in the Venice Carnival?
If you're planning to attend Carnival in Venice and would like to rent a costume, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.
First of all, start your costume search early, as high demand and rental options can be limited.
When choosing a rental costume, be sure to consider the quality and authenticity of the costume. Some rental options may be mass-produced and may not match the quality of other traditional masks. So it's important to do your research and to choose a reputable rental company.
Also, be sure to try on your costume before the carnival to make sure it fits well and is comfortable to wear.
Finally, be prepared to pay a higher price for your rental suit, as the demand for costumes during Carnival is high, and prices tend to inflate.
However, with careful planning and research, you can find a high-quality suit that will help you to enjoy and experience Carnival in Venice!
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