Maschere, Misteri e Magia: Il Carnevale di Venezia
Masks, Mysteries, and Magic: Venice Carnival Extravaganza
The Carnival: Magic is in the air
Carnival has arrived! This year (2017), the festivities take place from Saturday, February 11, to Saturday, February 25. It’s the time leading up to Lent, concluding with Ash Wednesday, the first day of fasting and reflection.
Festivities across Italy
During this time, all of Italy comes alive with costumes, masks, parades, allegorical floats, historical reenactments, and all sorts of festivities. In particular, the events in Venice are truly unique—it’s the time of year when La Serenissima transcends her natural beauty to become a veritable garden of earthly delights!
Spectacular Events: The 12 Marias and the Angel’s Flight
Every year in Venice, spectators enjoyed the procession of the 12 Marias and the Angel’s Flight, a breathtaking display in which one of the Marias floats down into Piazza San Marco from the top of the bell tower. There was also the magical evening light show, La Vanitas degli Abissi, with the canals illuminated by fairy dancers and sea creatures.
Masks: Hiding or Revealing?
Throughout Carnival, as you wander through Venice’s narrow streets, you’ll see a wide array of creative costumes and colorful masks. You may wonder: who is hiding behind each mask? Do they conceal identity or allow one’s true self to shine through?
The Doge’s Ball: An Unforgettable Experience
The Ballo del Doge is the most elegant and spectacular of Venice’s costume balls. This year, it takes place on Saturday, February 25, at Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a stunning 15th-century palace on the Grand Canal. This exclusive ball hosts 400 guests dressed in period costumes, with masks being mandatory.
An Event for All the Senses
Conceived by Antonia Sautter, the Ballo del Doge is described by Vanity Fair as “one of the most exclusive parties in the world.” Distinguished guests from across the globe attend this unique sensory event, which stimulates sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Sumptuous costumes, dazzling performances, and enchanting music make it a dreamlike experience.
Carnival Dreams
Oh, to be in Venice now and take part in this splendor! How I would love to wear a period costume and an elegant mask. What fun it would be to dance in the arms of a mysterious stranger. After all, as the saying goes: At Carnival, every trick is acceptable.
La Vanità degli abissi – Aperta Del Carnevale 2017
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