Candida Martinelli's Italophile Site

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 Mask and Costume, Venice, Italy
Mask and Costume, Venice, Italy Photographic Print

 

 

An Italian Carnevale Moment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Mask and Costume, Venice, Italy
Mask and Costume, Venice, Italy Photographic Print

 

 

 

Carnival - Carnivale - Mardi Gras

 

 

Today's Carnival celebrations in Venice, Italy, are a new 'tradition' begun in 1979, run by a Carnival Committee, based around a yearly theme, and last about 10 days in February.

The old tradition of Carnival in Venice is very old.  The earliest mention of the celebration found in writing was in the year 1094.  It stopped in 1797 when Venice lost it's independence and became a dependent of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  Private parties continued, but Venetians stopped any public celebrations in protest at their status.

The Last Day of the Carnival, St. Mark's Square, Venice
The Last Day of the Carnival, St. Mark's Square, Venice Giclee Print
AllPosters.com
 

Old Carnival was more pagan, more violent, more licentious, and more regulated to prevent dangerous abuses of the opportunity to hide one's identity in public. 

In an age of greater violence, no electricity, extreme poverty, and harsh living conditions, allowing everyone to wear what amounted to a balaclava was dangerous!  Laws governed mask wearing all year round in Venice, to ensure public safety.  Many of those laws were ignored during the period of Venice's economic decline, leading to even greater licentiousness. 

 Ladies and Gentlemen in Carnival Costume in the Ridotto, Venice
Ladies and Gentlemen in Carnival Costume in the Ridotto, Venice Giclee Print
AllPosters.com

Masks, or maschere, refers in Italian to both a mask and a disguise.  In Venitian it's more often called bauta or bautta, which can refer to one of the most common mask designs, or a whole disguise.

But masks were commonly worn by persons socializing in Venice in the evenings.  People wished to hide their identities in a society that was governed by strict social rules.  Social shame could kill a person's chances in life, and just about anything in those socially repressive days could bring on social shame.

 Venice, a Masked Couple
Venice, a Masked Couple Giclee Print
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If you read The Autobiography of Casanova, you'll see numerous references to he and his female partner donning masks to attend the Venetian Opera unchaperoned.  Casanova is very careful to protect his partners from shame, but even more careful to prevent one of his partners from discovering his other partners.

 Giovanni Giacomo Casanova Chevalier de Saingalt Italian Adventurer in Carnival Mask Venice
Giovanni Giacomo Casanova Chevalier de Saingalt Italian Adventurer in Carnival Mask Venice Giclee Print
AllPosters.com

Old Carnival was celebrated in the days leading up to Lent, the Catholic season of fasting, prayer and donations to the poor.  The customs used for the celebrations were adopted from various pagan festivals.

Generally speaking, Old Carnival was a period of the year the repressed people could let-it-all-hang-out; a pressure valve. 

Something similar happens on the yearly visits to Lebanon that many Saudis take from their highly repressive society.  I've heard one Saudi call the trip a 'chance to breathe freely for a few weeks' before returning to the stifling atmosphere of Saudi Arabia.

 Carnival at Venice
Carnival at Venice Giclee Print
AllPosters.com

The Old celebrations ended on Shrove Tuesday, also called Martedi' Grasso in Italian and Mardi Gras in French.  Hence the festival's commonly known name of Mardi Gras in former French territories, like New Orleans in the U.S.A.

As Venice's economy weakened after the discovery of the Americas, and the growth of the Ottoman Empire, Carnival expanded to up to six months of the year.  This was to attract a tourist trade of wealthy men who wanted to gamble, whore, and escape responsibilities at home.  During that time, Venice was synonymous with sin, the Las Vegas of it's time.

 Reproduction of a Poster Advertising the 1896 Carnival at the Theatre De L'Opera
Reproduction of a Poster Advertising the 1896 Carnival at the Theatre De L'Opera Giclee Print
Chéret, Jules
AllPosters.com

When Carnival was revived in Venice, a more artistic character was conceived, while drawing selectively on the past traditions.  The current festivals include lots of theatrical presentations, concerts, parades, shows and colorful costumes.  It's as much for tourists as it is for locals, just as it always was in the past, too.

 

The article continues all about the costumes...

 

 


Mask at Carnival, Venice, Italy
Mask at Carnival, Venice, Italy Photographic Print

 

 

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About this Site

 

 

 

This is a hobby-site. 

Any purchases made via the links to Amazon.com, AllPosters.com, Art.com, some product links, and my site shops with Zazzle and PrintFection, and any clicks on the Google Ads, provide funds to cover my computer, Internet, and hosting costs. Anything left over, I spend on pasta! ;-)   Grazie mille!

 

 Candida Martinelli

Established July 2003

Italian Food

 

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Ricordo di Venezia Postcard Book

 

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Plutarch's Lives

 

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Catholic Prayers in Italian / English

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10 Recipes for the Holidays

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Carnival

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Religious Art - Marquetry

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Free  lessons: How to get E-texts and E-books from the Internet, including source list for free electronic books

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Mask Gallery (to buy) from Costume Craze

 

Red Half Mask with Feathers - $13.73

Black and White Feather Mask - $8.25

This Fancy Feather Mask in black and white features a brightly reflective silver body and a magnificent top embellishment of black and white feathers, and black sequined trim. Marvelous for a carnival costume!

Black and White Feather Mask - $6.05

This Black and White Feathered Mask features a body of short black feathers, seequined trim about the eyes and a magnificent crown of sleek black and gold feathers.

White Feather Mask - $4.01

This fancy mask features a flared white feathered body, magenta sequined trim about the eyes and two proudly curving peacock plumes on the crown.

Black and White Mask - $12.09

Black and White Mask

Black and Silver Mask - $9.90

This Black and Silver Mask on a stick with red flower accent is great with a Vampire Costume or a Dia de Los Muertos Costume, Spanish Costume, Mexican Costume, or for a Masquerade Ball outfit!

Golden Flower Mask - $8.78

Black Magique Half Mask - $4.39

This Magique Half Mask is available in black (MASK138), silver (MASK137), red (MASK136) and gold (MASK96).

Silver Magique Half Mask - $2.20

This Magique Half Mask is available in black (MASK138), silver (MASK137), red (MASK136) and gold (MASK96).

Womens White and Silver Venetian Mask - $11.53

Silver and white venetian mask with iridescent sequin trim.

Butterfly Eye Mask - $6.03

Iridescent blue butterfly eye mask

Venetian Mask - $32.95

Venetian Mask - Purple Green and Gold Jester Mask

Gold Venetian Half Mask with Hat - $16.48

Venetian Half Mask with Hat

Red/Gold Mask with Feathers - $8.78

Red/Gold Mask with Feathers

Marquis Costume Mask - $4.82

Marquis Costume Mask - Renaissance Costume Accessories

Marquise Costume Mask - $4.82

Rigid Plastic Half Mask.

Pixie Butterfly Mesh Mask - $5.72

Pixie Butterfly Mesh Mask - Costume Masks

Shedevil Black and Red Half Mask - $8.78

This Shedevil Half Mask is held in place by an elastic string that goes around the head.

Venetian Mask - $17.55

White Harlequin Half Mask - $2.20

This Harlequin Half Mask is available in black, white, red, silver and gold.

Red Harlequin Half Mask - $2.20

This Harlequin Half Mask is available in black, white, red, silver and gold.

Winter's Eve Feather Mask - $13.19

This White and Silver Feathered Mask features a white sequined body with silver sequined accents, an opulent feather spray and three magnificent shining silver flowers. Perfect for an angel or christmas costume!

Onyx Pearl Feather Mask - $6.60

This Onyx Pearl Feather Mask in Silver and Black features a richly sequined silver body and black trim, a sleek black feather spray and rosettes and two long pearly streamers.

Spanish Peacock Feather Mask - $14.29

This magnificent Spanish Peacock Feather mask features a red sequined and jeweled body and gold trim, sweeping flare of red and peacock feathers and a gold rosette with streamers of red ribbon and gold beads.

Black and Grey Feather Mask - $6.60

This Black and Grey Feather Mask features a subtly reflective black body, black sequined trim and a spray of short black feathers capped by sweeping charcoal grey plumes. Perfect for any masquerade or ghostly costume!

Black and Silver Feather Mask - $7.15

This magnificent black mask features a sunburst in silver and gold across a black mask, a silver jewel embellishment and sweeping black plumes.

Black and White Feather Mask - $6.05

This Black and White Feather Mask features a pristine white body, silver sequined trim and a striking sweep of black and white feathers embellished with a clear jewel.

Black and Gold Feather Mask - $7.15

This Black and Gold Feather Mask features a plain black body accented by a dramatic spray of plumes from the crown and a delicate fan of peacock feather forming a veil over the face.

Red and Silver Mask - $6.05

This Hand Held silver and red mask with red feathers features a bright silver spangled body, a red sequined trim and a coy feathered rosette over a dramatic spray of red plume.

Red and Gold Feathered Mask - $6.60

This magnificent mask features a sparkling gold body, gold sequined trim and a sweeping spray of red and black iridescent feathers embellished by a sequined gold flower.

Mardi Gras Feather Mask - $12.09

This Feather Mask in Mardi Gras Colors features a sparkling gold body with blue sequined trim and a ruff of jaunty green and purple quills. Perfect for a mardi gras costume!

Mardi Gras Feather Mask - $8.79

This magnificent Feather Mask in Mardi Gras Colors features a body of delicate spotted feathers in green, yellow and purple and then flares out into a mane of long quils in the same colours, crowned by soft downy feathers and a spray of proud peacock feathers. Truly a singular way to finish off your mardi gras costume!

Peacock Feather Mask - $19.79

This extravagent mask features a body of small spotted black and hot pink feathers and a magnificent crest of black, green and red feathers crowned by proud sprays of peacock plumes. Marvelous for mardi gras!

Deluxe Black and Gold Mask - $15.35

This handsome deluxe mask is adult sized and features a black body with gold trim.

Deluxe Black Mardi Gras Mask - $7.68

This Deluxe Adult Black Mardi Gras Mask features gold trim and fancy floral beadwork.

Deluxe Purple Mardi Gras Mask - $8.23

This Deluxe Adult Purple Mardi Gras Mask features gold trim, feathers and tassles.

Deluxe Gold Mystique Mask - $8.25

Deluxe Adult Gold Mystique Mask with black feathers and gold trim. Great for a mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Red Mystique Mask - $8.25

This Deluxe Adult Red Mystique Mask with feathers and gold trim features a beaded embellishment and an asymetrical line.

Deluxe Adult Venetian White Cat Mask - $8.25

This Deluxe Venetian Adult White Cat Mask with feathers and whiskers is great for any white cat costume, and also makes an excellent mardi gras mask!

Deluxe Venetian Black Cat Mask - $8.25

This Deluxe Adult Venetian Black Cat Mask with gold trim, a jeweled nose, plush and feather embellishment and whiskers. Great for a cat or madri gras costume!

Deluxe Gold Mardi Gras Mask - $8.25

This Deluxe Adult Gold Mardi Gras Mask is the height of elegence and is sure to turn heads when paired with your mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Gold and Black Sequin Mask - $9.35

This Deluxe Adult Gold and Black Sequin Mask features diamond shapes in gold trim and sequins and dangling ribbons and sequin streamers. Great for a jester or mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Multicolor Sequin Mask - $9.88

This Deluxe Adult Multicolor Sequin Mask features classic jester diamond designs in multicoloured sequins and dangling ribbons and sequins streamers. Great for a jester or mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Black Mardi Gras Mask - $8.25

Deluxe Black Mardi Gras Mask with lace and stones.

Deluxe Black Sequin Mask with Stones - $9.90

This Deluxe Adult Black Sequin Mask with Stones features handsome black braid trim, sequined embellishments, bead fringe and rhinestone accents. Truly a mask for the royalty of carnival or mardi gras!

Deluxe Fancy Venetian Gold Mask - $11.55

This Deluxe Adult Fancy Gold Mask with gold trim is ideal for a mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Venetian Gold Butterfly Mask - $10.45

This Deluxe Adult Venetian Gold Butterfly Mask features gold braid trim, silver braid and silver rhinestone accents, and a silver central embellishment. Great for a mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Gold Venetian Mask - $9.90

This Deluxe Adult Gold Venetian Butterfly Mask features gold braided trim and rhinestone and gold embellishments, and a gold sequined rosette. Great for a butterfly, carnival and mardi gras costume.

Deluxe Venetian Black Cat Mask - $11.00

This Deluxe Adult Venetian Black Cat Mask features a complex design, white braided trim, jetty jewels and marabou 'fur'. Perfect for a cat costume or a mardi gras costume!

Deluxe Mardi Gras Mask on Stick - $9.67

This Deluxe Mardi Gras Mask on Stick features the purple mask with green, gold and pink sequins and a spray of green, blue and gold feathers and matching streamers.

Deluxe Black Mystique Mask - $8.25

This Deluxe Adult Black Mystique Mask features silver reflective dots, black sleek feathers, shining silver trim and an exotic dangling bead embellishment.

Black and White Domino Mask - $6.05

This Black and White Domino Mask is of a classic design and is perfecto for completing your harlequin or mardi gras costume!

Black and White Burst Eye Mask - $6.05

This Black and White Burst Eye Mask will add a dramatic touch to any carnival, harlequin or mardi gras costume!

Black and White Checkered Domino Mask - $6.05

This Black and White Checkered Domino Mask looks fabulous when paired with a carnival, mardi gras or harlequin costume!

Black and White Zebra Mask - $9.35

This Black and White Zebra Mask is a striking and unusual piece and would go smashingly with a harlequin, carnival or mardi gras costume!

Pink Lace Mask - $11.55

This opulent Pink Lace Mask features black lace overlayed a pink body, a sheer frilled trim, a black satin rosette and lace and satin ribbon streamers.

Black and White Mask - $9.90

This gorgeous Black & White Mask features criss-crossing ribbons studded with clear jewels. Ideal for a harlequin or mardi gras costume!

Black Feather Mask - $11.00

This fancy Black Feather Mask features a sunburst of gold braid and shining black ribbon on a matte black base, a jeweled diadem and a spray of sleek black feathers. Ideal for a mardi gras or carnival costume!

Red & Black Venetian Mask - $11.55

This classic Red & Black Venetian Mask features gold curlicues and red anc black diamon shapes on a créme background. Perfect for a harlequin or mardi gras costume!

Exotic Venetian Witch Mask - $20.90

This Exotic Venetian Witch Mask features a bronze and purple colour finish over a white base and includes an eyemask portion and hat portion, edged with decorative tulle. Wonderful for a witch costume or a mardi gras costume!

Venetian Mask - $21.43

Venetian Mardi Gras Mask - Gold trimmed jester mask with musical note accents.

Venetian Mask - $18.68

Venetian Mardi Gras Mask - Green Purple and Gold

Deluxe Black and Gold Jester Mask - $16.48

Deluxe Black and Gold Jester Mask

Red Venetian Mask with Hat - $17.03

Two Color Venetian Mask - $12.65

This festive Venetian half mask is two colored and a perfect fit for your made grass or masquerade costume.

 

 

A non-Italy article by Candida: A book that helped keep WWII soldiers sane and humane.

A non-Italy offer:  Nerja, Spain Beachfront Apartment to Rent

 

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