Venice, Italy
The Carnival of Venice is a spectacular annual event and the most internationally known festival held in Venice, Italy. This year the city will be in the mood of celebration between the 6th and 16th of February. Though it probably had much earlier roots, the Carnival in Venice was supposedly first recorded in the late 13th century, when the Senate of the Republic issued an edict declaring the day before Lent as a public holiday.Every year thousands of tourists come to Venice to see and take part in its magnificent Carnival. Masks and fancy old-style dresses have always been a central feature of the carnival. Venetian masks are traditionally made in leather or with the original papier-mâché technique. These masks used to be simple and had symbolic or practical meaning (for example they were used by gamblers to avoid their creditors). Nowadays, most of them are made with the applications, decorations and various patterns. It is also the most wanted souvenir that reflects the city of the channels.
Probably the most famous tradition of the carnival is dancing. This tradition has survived up till now, since the program of the carnival 2010 can offer a colorful range of events. The top featured events include: Hot Chocolate in Costume (a cup of a hot chocolate and a mask are required!), The Serenissima Grand Ball, The Grand Ball of the Pulcinella and Ballo Tiepolo. The list of events and full program of the carnival can be found at: www.carnevale.venezia.it.
It is said that a mask can hide your face, but cannot hide your spirit. So, don’t! Venice is a place you can release your soul and get get into the mood of entertainment. Discover the most mysterious festival in Europe. Take a mask and join in the charming celebrations.
