Venice Carnival: Masks and Malvasia
February 3, 2009 by Gennaro
Filed under Destinations, Features
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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Barcelona, Spain
Beautiful images. I love Venice. It would be great to go during carnival. Can’t make it this year though. I can, however, eat lots of tiramisu. And I’m planning on it.
Bro, Venice is an amazing city. Nothing else like it. And the early carnival does have a little ‘eyes wide shut’ 18th century style feel to it.
I am going to visit Venice at Carnival time,with my friends.I can t wait!!
@Kimmy
Thanks. Enjoy the tiramisu
@Tim
No arguments here about the merits of Venice.
@dalija
Have a great time!
The Soave area makes great wines. It’s also nice to visit the wineries in the area. There are castle and churches throughout. Old, old churches.
I never knew what the reasoning for the masks was. But, now that I have read this it makes sense. It is interesting to me that the masks were used to hide real identity so all people could mingle together. It makes sense given the time period it originated from and how there was a distinct division between classes. I got my history lesson for the day, Thanks!
What a fun Carnival!
Venice is one of mine dream destinations, But I still have no chance to visit.
My father has been there before, He took many pictures of this wonderful Carnival.
@Ella
Thanks for the tip about the scenery around the wineries
@Ryan
It’s amazing to think about the way things were.
@iWalk
Hope you get there
Lovely post about a lovely destination. Ah… Venice…. I’m saying with a dreamy voice. It’s high up on my wish list to go and have been for a very long time. My sister was in Venice in October (before the flooding) and had a really good time. I’ve wanted to attend that carnival for years now, but somehow something always comes in between….
@Lifecruiser
Thanks. It really is a special place. I’m hoping they work out the technology to save the place fro being permanently flooded.
Interesting how the masks cam about. I’m going to try to make it next year. It sounds like a lot of fun and Venice has been on my must list for year.
cute masks and great picture of venice!
@Jill T
Love the mask background too. Fun to learn about a different era. Hope you make it next year.
@Snow
Thanks!
Venice is one of my preferred vacation destinations! I’ve been dreaming to go to Venice when I saw it in Chasing Liberty and Milan.
Very very nice and romantic place…
@Bryan Karl
Movies get me interesting in places too. They always show a side of a city or country that one never thought about.
That a nice interesting festival. I hope I get to such a similar festival where I can wear masks and protect my identity. Who knows whom I’m going to end up with?
@Gem
Funny
That’s so cool – I didn’t realize they had a carnival there. And those pictures of the masks – they’re amazing!
@Tabitha
Thanks. They do have some great mask-making there. Centuries of practice.
I see you mentioned the masks of “eyes wide shut”…the workshop who created them is named CA’MACANA and it’s located in dorsoduro street 3172, just a few steps from Piazza San Marco.
They have a really nice shop which makes for great presents and souvenirs.
@Luca
Thanks for the information. There a quite a few worthwhile shops in Venice. Glad to have this one.
I’m just dying to be in Venice during Carnival. But unfortunately, I know my pockets will be screaming in pain. Ouch!
@jen laceda
It’s a beautiful event, but definitely costly. The city is costly when the event isn’t happening! There’s only one Venice though.
This is an excellent article and a couple of really nice photos.
@Venice – Thanks.