Enjoy The Venice Carnival In Italy
The Venice Carnival is something unique. There are fantastic carnivals all over the world, but none reach the levels of glamor and elegance with which this festival is lived in the city of canals. If Venice at any time of the year has a special atmosphere, during its carnivals it is capable of taking us to another historical time, something that you have to experience once in your life.
A little history of the Venice Carnival
Perhaps one can think of the Venice Carnival as a relatively recent tourist product. Could not be farther from the truth! This festival in the capital of the Italian region of Veneto has been celebrated, more or less, since the 11th century.
At that time it was celebrated with less pomp, of course, but it was already sensed that it was going to be something very special. In fact, since the 13th century it became a public holiday in the city. However, it was at the end of the Baroque period, that is, during the 18th century, when this festival reached its maximum splendor.
This fact also coincided with the moment in which the concept of tourism appeared as a consequence of the great ‘tour’ that European aristocrats made through Italy. And in fact, today Venice in carnivals seems to move back to those times that Canaletto and other great local painters also portrayed.
One of the best carnivals on the planet
There is no argument, the Venice Carnival is one of the most spectacular in the world. And it has its own and non-transferable characteristic, since the architectural setting of this unique city and the costumes evoke times of pomp and glamor that we usually identify with the good life, the pleasures and the seduction of famous Venetians like Casanova.
Everybody dress up
During the Venice Carnival it seems that it is forbidden not to dress up. Everyone does it, and not in any way, since they are very elaborate costumes and with period clothes.
In this way, everyone goes out to the streets dressed in the most colorful clothes, something that increases even more if possible the photogenicity of the city. Of course, anyone who comes is obliged to take a picture sailing in a gondola and hidden behind the elegant traditional masks.
Venice Carnival, even higher season
Just to enjoy the atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square or to cross the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, it is already worth planning a trip during the Venice Carnival. However, we have to warn you that it is terribly expensive, more than usual!
In addition, you have to take into account the season of the year in which the carnivals are celebrated, since it is still winter. So it can be cool and bad weather.
High moments
The Venice Carnival lasts for 10 intense days, with their respective nights. It is a festive period that always begins with the Water Festival. Or what is the same, a spectacular parade of water floats on the Grand Canal, a night parade full of light, music and color.
Another recurring event is the Fiesta de las Marías, which is a kind of beauty pageant among a selection of the most beautiful girls from the different Venetian neighborhoods. The so-called Flight of the Angel is also celebrated every year, in which an acrobat flies over the heart of Venice and arrives doing balancing act as far as San Marco’s bell tower.
A continuous party
These are just some of the traditional celebrations of the Venice Carnival, but there are many more, since so many centuries of history provide many customs and anecdotes. But in addition to these official acts, there are always a multitude of parties and private balls in the different Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
In short, that in the Italian city there are special carnivals and, without a doubt, at the height of the most famous in the world, such as those of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil or those of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. United.
