Venice Carnival: Masks and Malvasia

Venice once was dear,
The pleasant place of all festivity,
The revel of the earth, the masque of Italy.
~Lord Byron

History
Venice, often called the most romantic city in the world, was one of the great powers during the eighteenth century. That era marked the zenith of the Carnival celebrations. Wealthy nobles, from across Europe, made their way to the canal-filled city to partake in the grandest party on the continent. With its tradition of masks and costumes, Venice Carnival was an opportunity to engage in the forbidden liberties of the time. Carnival, held in February, is a chance for travelers to participate in an extraordinary ritual.
Gondola © Gennaro Salamone

Masks & Misbehavior
Venetians of various social classes used the festival to intermingle with those who were off limits in traditional society. Participants were able to engage in gambling, sexual favors, or mocking of the powerful. Italian mascarei (craftsmen) created elegant masks that protected the identity of each reveller. It remains a booming industry with thousands of locals and tourists attending the Carnival every year. The masks for Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut were created by a local artisan.
Carnival Mask © Annia316

Those attending the festivities will need to dress the part. No costume equals no fun. Consider buying either a bauta, moretta, or larva (volto) mask. The bauta is the most widely-worn mask. Locals spend countless Euros for the mask, which covers the whole face with no mouth. It’s considered ideal for those who want to protect their identity. The moretta is an oval mask of black velvet that was usually worn by women visiting convents. It traditionally included a veil. A third historic mask to consider, larva, is mainly white. It’s worn with a tricorn and cloak.
Carnival Mask © Frank Kovalchek

Happenings
Venice Carnival 2009 will be filled with parties, musical theater, gala dinners, and concerts. The Carnival opening will take place at the Luna Hotel Baglioni at 8:00pm (February 13). It begins with a welcome cocktail consisting of Venetian Canapés and local drinks. The night also includes dancing and a comedy show. It runs 230,00 Euro per person (VAT and Wine from Canova Selection included). For Carnival’s full schedule of events, review their website.

During the festivities, be sure to munch on many of the local delicacies. Veneto was the birthplace of tiramisu (below). It’s a dessert created by dipping savoiardi (ladyfingers) into espresso and layering them with mascarpone cheese and zabaglione. Another option is dunking freshly-made biscuits (bussolai or baicoli) in Malvasia wine.

For lunch, consider a few resident favorites including slices of Sopressa Vincenina with Asiago or Grana Padano cheese. Wash it down with the regional Soave wine. Dinner options are numerous as the city is filled with some of the best Northern Italian restaurants. Grand Canal Restaurant or Al Covo are the right choices for those looking for the best of the best.
Tiramisu © Mauricio Pellegrinetti

This is the perfect year to visit Venice. Don’t forget that it’s sinking. Go before it’s too late!
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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