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. Today, the Carnival, held in February, remains a chance for travelers to participate in an extraordinary ritual.

Gondola

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 reveler. It remains a booming industry, with thousands of locals and tourists attending the Carnival every year. If fact, the masks for Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut were created by a local artisan.

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 on this style, which covers the whole face but has no mouth. It is considered ideal for those who want to completely protect their identity. The moretta is an oval mask of black velvet that was traditionally worn by women visiting convents, and it usually included a veil. A third historic mask to consider, the larva, is mainly white and is typically worn with a tricorn hat and a cloak.

Carnival Mask

Happenings
Venice Carnival 2009 featured an array of parties, musical theater performances, gala dinners, and concerts. The carnival’s opening event took place at the Luna Hotel Baglioni at 8:00pm on February 13. It began with a welcome cocktail featuring Venetian canapés and local drinks, followed by dancing and a comedy show. Tickets were 230,00 Euro per person, which included VAT and wine from the Canova Selection. A full schedule of events was readily available on the official website of the Venice Carnival.

During the festivities, participants sampled the region’s local delicacies. Veneto is the birthplace of tiramisu—a classic dessert made by dipping savoiardi (ladyfingers) into espresso. For an authentic treat, try dunking freshly made traditional biscuits such as bussolai or baicoli, in sweet Malvasia wine.

For lunch, consider local favorites, including sliced Sopressa Vicentina paired with Asiago or Grana Padano cheese, which is perfectly complemented by a glass of regional Soave wine. Dinner options are plentiful, as the city is home to some of the finest Northern Italian restaurants. Grand Canal Restaurant or Al Covo are exceptional choices for travelers seeking the absolute best culinary experiences Venice has to offer.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.