Venice Carnival has its roots in the distant pagan past. The word “carnival” itself comes from the Latin carrus navalis (which means “amusing chariot”, “ship of festive processions”) - this was the name of the ritual cart-ship in ancient times, on which idols were transported in Europe back in the distant Bronze Age during holidays fertility. Others argue that the word “carnival” means “carnis laxatio” or “carnasciale” (translated as “farewell meat!”) - a refusal of meat, a religious fast before Easter. In a desire to adapt pre-Christian customs to the new faith, the church used the ancient holiday to prepare Christians for the longest fast of the year - Lent before Easter. In 1296, the Senate of the Venetian Republic declared the last day before Lent to be a permanent holiday.

It is worth noting that the ancient Roman Saturnalia became the ancestor of modern carnivals. On days dedicated to the god of harvest and fertility, Saturn, the Romans held feasts to resurrect a golden age of universal equality and prosperity. The gap between master and slave disappeared during the holiday - slaves drank at the same table with nobles, and free citizens brought them wine. We believe that this is where they originate Venetian carnival masks: so that secular prejudices did not interfere with the fun, everyone hid their faces under masks. Mask and carnival costume they hid the owner’s true appearance, allowing him to do whatever he wanted, regardless of titles and titles, and most importantly, not to think at all about the consequences. During the days of revelry, a false king was elected, who at the end of the Saturnalia either had to commit suicide or die from a knife, fire or noose. (hard morals)

Venice carnivals gradually spread throughout the globe. The main attributes of any carnival were costumes and masks, designed to hide social differences and equalize everyone during the celebration. At home Venetian masks They gained such popularity that they began to be worn constantly. It is worth noting that almost all townspeople would prefer to hide their faces even without any carnival. Venice is a relatively small city, and your neighbors don’t need to know where you went in the evening or which house you crawled out of in the morning. There were cases when people hid under Venetian masks to commit criminal acts. This state of affairs forced the church to limit the use of Venetian masks. This led to the fact that in 1608 a law was passed in Venice, which stated that men for wearing Venetian masks on an ordinary day were sentenced to two years in prison and a fine, and women were publicly flogged in the square with rods.

When asked exactly when the first Venetian carnival took place, there are also many versions. The earliest version dates back to the 11th century. In 1094, the Venetian Republic received, under an agreement with Byzantium, houses in Constantinople and additional taxation privileges, which gave it enormous advantages for Mediterranean trade. The celebration of this event may have been the first Venetian carnival. According to another version, first Venice carnival was held back in 998, when the young residents of Venice returned their brides, kidnapped by pirates. The third version says that the first Venetian carnival took place only in 1162, in honor of the celebration of the victory of the Venetian Republic in the war against Patriarch Ulrico. The townspeople poured out in a noisy crowd into St. Mark's Square, where they indulged in feasting and fun. One thing is certain: already in the 13th century, the last day before the start of Lent was declared a day of celebrations and public festivities. Two centuries later, a fund was created in Venice to raise funds for annual Venice carnival, which by that time had become an integral part of the life of Venice. The whole city flocked to the holiday St. Mark's Square take part in the general Sabantuy and watch the performance.

First, fighting dogs fought with bulls, and then acrobats, jesters and dancers ran out onto the blood-stained square, and a magnificent fireworks display ended the performance. Over time Venetian masks, which originally copied the pagan gods of fertility, began to change, reflecting major events the lives of the townspeople, and during the Venetian carnivals the most famous achievements of the Venetians were celebrated. Thus, the theme for many subsequent Venetian carnivals was given by the great victory of the Venetian Republic in the battle with the Turks in 1571. The echo of that feast has survived to this day, because even now a lush turban or bright wide trousers are sure to flash among the carnival crowd at San Marco. In the 18th century, the main characters Venice carnival became the heroes of the Italian comedy Del Arte: hundreds and thousands of Harlequins, Pierrots, Pantalones appeared on the streets, and the lovely Columbine became the face, or rather the mask, of the carnival. At the same time, a tradition arose and has survived to this day on the first day of the carnival to lower a mechanical dove, Columbina, from the bell tower over St. Mark's Square, from which confetti falls. True, initially a girl flew over the square, until one day this mesmerizing flight ended in tragedy. A shower of confetti marks the official start of the carnival. Immediately after this comes a time of unbridled fun.

The 18th century was the era of the greatest prosperity in the history of the Venetian carnival in history. The uncontrollable spirit of flirtation and betrayal, the feeling of complete freedom and the expectation of exciting adventures attracted the aristocracy from all over Europe to this masquerade. The fame and popularity of the carnival were so high that even high-ranking people did not consider it shameful to take part in the boundless fun incognito. During the days of the carnival, everything was subject to the Venetian mask. Wearing masks not only had fun, but also went to services and shopping, to theaters and on dates. The mask abolished all norms of behavior, and on carnival days and nights, when the Catholic Church shyly averted its gaze from the Venetian streets, it was considered bad form not to commit a fall under its cover. Even nunneries were turned into dance halls in those days and filled with masked men. Judging by historical notes, the Venetian nuns of those times curled their hair, wore low-cut dresses that did not cover their slender legs, and covered their breasts only when they sang in the church choir. Almost everyone had a lover with whom she secretly met. And if such were the morals of the nuns, then one can imagine what the rest of the carnival participants got up to during the festivities. Choking with unbridled fun, the Venetians tried to gain happiness and love by generously throwing away the remains material well-being created over the past centuries.

It’s a fact that after prosperity there is always a decline. And even the Venetian carnival could not avoid this bitter fate. In 1797, French troops occupied Italy, and Venetian carnivals were banned by Napoleon's decree. But Venice could not and did not want to say goodbye forever to the holiday, which for several centuries was the soul of the city. Oddly enough, its revival began with a banal commercial calculation. After the Second World War, Venice became one of the main tourist centers in Europe. Many new hotels, cafes and restaurants opened in the city, but it soon became clear that they had been idle almost the entire winter. And then in the late 70s the idea arose revive the legendary carnival. In 1980, a dove fluttered again in the sky over St. Mark's Square.

Since then, every year at the very end of winter, Venice is again filled with a wave of visitors, who become several times more numerous than the Venetians themselves. Cheerful and reckless carnival spirit, who had languished in oblivion for almost two centuries, once free, he quickly regained his lost glory.

The carnival lasts ten days and opens with the medieval festival Festa delle Marie, dedicated to the liberation of the beautiful Venetian women. The procession passes from the Palace of San Pietro to Piazza San Marco, where the seven most beautiful and youngest residents of the city - the seven Marias - appear before the audience. In addition to traditional entertainment, an integral part of the Venetian carnival is a football match, which usually takes place on the fifth day of fun. The Venetians are confident that this sport was born in their city, and during the holiday they organize a real reconstruction of medieval football. The carnival ends with the burning of the effigy and general dancing in St. Mark's Square. The next day the city falls asleep, only to explode again a year later for ten days with a fountain of fun and swirl its guests in the stormy flow of the carnival.

Today, carnival is a purely “tourist” phenomenon that has lost its former significance for the spiritual life of the Italian people. It is believed that the city is slowly dying, gradually plunging into the waters of the Adriatic. Therefore, the fun that reigns every year at the Venetian carnivals looks almost like a feast during the plague. But on the other hand, this colorful, intoxicating spectacle can also be seen as a sign that Venice is still alive and follows its age-old traditions. During the Venetian carnivals, Venice resembles the former great city: thousands of eager connoisseurs of this vibrant event come here from all over the globe. The city dresses in festive attire, disguising its antiquity. And I would like to hope that Venice Carnival will regain its former glory.

Life is in full swing, laughter and joy are everywhere, colorful outfits and music! This is not a fantasy world - this is reality! The Venice Carnival is a brilliant, grandiose, unsurpassed event in Italy, which is famous throughout the world! This masquerade ball is the oldest of all carnivals in the world! Every year it is held in Venice, and people from all countries, from all corners of the world come here!

By tradition, it is held annually for two weeks in a row! But the action does not take place at the same time. Everything is regulated by the church. The opening depends on the beginning of the Catholic Lent, and the oldest ball in the world ends on Wednesday of the first week of Lent. In fact, the history of the carnival is very long! The first mention of this action dates back to 1094, and its roots go back to the massive antique festivities!

At that time, after the harvest, they celebrated the day of Saturn. In honor of such an event, even slaves were allowed to sit at one large table with noble persons, and in order to prevent prejudices from spoiling the general fun, everyone put on masks. Afterwards everything changed. Now this holiday was organized so that Christians could prepare for Lent: eat, have fun and relax! And again, to avoid prejudice, everyone continued to wear masks and bright colorful costumes in order to hide their identity. In the 18th century, the Venice Carnival reached its peak. At that time, noble people from all over, as well as ordinary people, came here! The carnival costumes were real masterpieces: tailored latest fashion made of expensive fabrics with lots of jewelry! The main characters at that moment were the comedian heroes. From the same time, fashionistas and fashionistas began to wear half masks, which became a symbol of the carnival. It should be said that each mask was selected in accordance with the personal qualities of the hero, so everyone had their own personal one. Due to the revolution, such carnivals have been banned since the 20th century. But already in 1979, with permission, the veto was lifted. And now the Venice Carnival is reaching its dawn!

Modernity

Nowadays, during a masquerade, Venice turns into a city full of dresses and bright colors! Many tourists and those who want to feel the spirit of antiquity gather here! All these emotions are worth visiting the Venice Carnival, the dates of which are constantly changing. Venice is beautiful at any time of the year, but during the masquerade it becomes unsurpassed! Here you can feel the whole history, the spirit of the past, enjoy the enchanting and romantic atmosphere, join the crowd, take part in a costume procession! For example, the 2013 Venice Carnival started on February 12 and attracted more than half a million people! Mask competitions, promotions, a lot of animation, plays and performances, “Mary Parade”, “Flight of the Angel”, “Festival on the Water”, music shows- that's what those who visited it saw! Don't deny yourself the pleasure! Come to Venice and enjoy a colorful and vibrant life!

Very soon, Italian Venice will swirl in a fireworks display of bright colors and unbridled fun. The famous carnival this year starts on January 31 and will last until February 17. Traditionally, the timing of the main Venetian event is linked to the Catholic calendar: the holiday always ends the day before the start of Lent. The word “carnival” itself is translated from Latin as “farewell meat.” Noisy festivities, masquerades and feasts were intended to please the townspeople, because the fasting period that followed was spent in humility and abstinence.

The history of the carnival goes back more than a decade. The first mention of folk festivals in Venice dates back to 1094. According to historians, a century later the carnival has already become an annual event. For a long time, the holiday was the main cultural event in the lives of the townspeople.

However, in 1797 the carnival was banned. This happened after the Venetian state ceased to exist. Subsequently, not a single attempt to revive the former glory of the carnival was crowned with success. Only in 1979 did the Italian government become seriously concerned about the return of colorful processions to the streets of Venice. The famous director Federico Fellini played a significant role in the revival of the carnival. So the carnival again became the main pride of the city residents.

Since then, during the annual holiday, Venice has become a center that attracts thousands of people who want to see with their own eyes all the splendor and beauty of this incredible action. The number of tourists flocking to Venice during Carnival reaches half a million.

The festival opens with an action called “Volo della Colombina”: from one of the bell towers, located in the famous St. Mark’s Square, a symbolic paper dove named Colombina is released into the sky, which scatters confetti over the residents.

At the same time, the “Festa delle Marie” celebration starts on the square itself. The richest history of this procession is connected with the release of Venetian women captured by pirates. The festive procession is led by seven girls, who symbolize the liberated beauties. Brightly dressed townspeople and tourists accompany the young ladies throughout the procession.

Costumes for the carnival are prepared in advance and amaze with their variety and splendor. Silk, brocade and velvet, incredible hairstyles and amazing headdresses - each carnival participant strives to stand out and amaze those gathered with the beauty of his outfit.

But, of course, the main symbol of the carnival is the traditional Venetian mask, under which the participants prefer to hide their faces. Each mask is a small work of art with its own story.

Classic Venetian masks are divided into two types.
The first type is one depicting the heroes of the traditional commedia dell'arte. Harlequin, Columbine, Pierrot, Brighella and other characters have their own character and habits. A person putting on the mask of one of the heroes of an Italian comedy must try to fit the type.

For example, under the mask of Columbine in Venetian performances there was a beautiful actress hiding. According to legend, she was so proud of her natural beauty that she did not want to completely hide her face, even for a carnival. Therefore, Columbina always appeared before the public wearing a half mask, which hid only the upper part of her face from prying eyes.

The second type are masks, which are not associated with traditional theater. These characters gradually emerged as carnival traditions developed. The Joker, the Venetian Lady, Bauta, the Cat, the Plague Doctor - they all reflect the history of Venice with all its intricacies, ups and downs.
The Bauta mask has always been one of the most sought after, as it allows you to completely hide your face. It was used by high-ranking persons who wanted to participate in the carnival incognito.

The mask of the Venetian Beauty was preferred by noble ladies, so it has a special sophisticated design.

But the traditional mask of Doctor Plague is associated with sad events: Venice has more than once become the site of terrible epidemics of this deadly disease.

Masks are made of leather or papier-mâché, as they were many years ago. For decoration, paints, gold and silver foil, rhinestones, feathers and other materials are used.

Each mask also implies a special outfit: raincoats, hats, dresses - all elements must match the mask and emphasize its beauty and individuality.

In addition to traditional parades and processions, the carnival is also interesting for its theatrical performances, concerts and other entertainment events designed to amuse and surprise citizens and guests. Even a football match has a place in this celebration of life. Moreover, it takes place in full accordance with medieval rules. The fact is that the Venetians believe that it was their city that gave this sport to the world, which is why they pay such close attention to it.

This year the theme of the carnival is: “The most delicious holiday in the world!” The organizers decided to pay tribute to the upcoming Milan Expo 2015 exhibition, which will be held under the motto “Feed the planet. Energy for life”, so the Venice holiday and all its events will be in tune with the Milan event.

Located in the northern part of Italy, Venice is known to foreigners primarily for its underwater streets. But not only gondola rides can interest travelers: lovers of event tourism can count on annual entertainment events held in this northern city. We are, of course, talking about one of the most famous costume events - the Venetian carnival.

history of the holiday

The history of the Venice Carnival dates back to the distant past: every year during winter solstice After the harvest, the ancient Romans organized mass celebrations in honor of the god Saturn, called Saturnalia. It was then that the very concept of a carnival mask arose. The fact is that during mass celebrations, slaves sat at the same table with their masters and, so that class prejudices did not spoil the fun, the faces of the feasters were hidden under masks.

It has not yet been possible to determine for certain how the name “carnival” itself came about. One of the most popular versions is the statement of the Catholic Church about the connection of the word “carnival” with the Latin “carne vale”, which literally translates as “farewell to meat”. Trying to adapt the pre-Christian celebration to the new religion, the Catholic Church used it to prepare for the strictest and longest fast of the year before Easter Sunday. The first written mention of the Venetian carnival dates back to 1094, and already in 1296 the Senate of the Republic of Venice declared the last day before Lent official holiday.

Festive carnival trends from the Venetians were “picked up” by residents of other cities and countries. The main attributes of any carnival action were masks and costumes, the main purpose of which was to hide social differences. Among the residents of Venice themselves, Venetian carnival masks became so popular that they were worn not only during carnival, but also common days. Moreover, faces were often hidden to commit very unseemly acts, such as theft. Because of this, wearing carnival masks in Venice, outside action was prohibited by the Catholic Church. And in 1608, a decree was issued according to which men who violated the decree were sentenced to a fine and two years in prison, and women were publicly flogged in the city square.

The Venice Carnival became a real outlet for Italians who lived under the cruel oppression of religious prohibitions, and therefore nothing shameful or prohibited for a person in a suit and mask simply did not exist. Almost until the end of the 18th century, the carnival remained the brightest event in the social life of the Venetians, but then interest in it faded. The history of the Venetian carnival found its continuation only in the second half of the 20th century.

The traditional symbol of the annual carnival action taking place in Venice is a mask. In everyday life, masks of the Venetian carnival were very popular: they were used both during romantic dates and for actions related to breaking the law.

Leather, velvet and papier-mâché are the main materials used to make Venetian masks. The very first carnival masks had an unpretentious design and were practical in nature. But modern masks of the Venetian carnival are a real work of art. They are painted by hand using gold leaf and primer, decorated with feathers and precious stones. Most Venetian carnival masks are characters from commedia dell'arte, a street performance very popular among the people of Italy.

One of the most popular masks was the bauta: it was worn not only by the poor, but also by those rich people who wanted to “go among the people” while remaining incognito. The slightly creepy design not only changed the owner’s voice, but also allowed him to eat without removing the mask.

Columbine's half mask is decorated with feathers, gold, crystal and silver. The legend of her appearance tells of a beautiful actress who did not want to hide her beauty. A mask was made for her, covering only part of her face.

Very interesting story preceded the appearance of the Venetian Carnival cat mask. Although there were few cats in the sinking city, they were treated with great respect. One Chinese man came to Italy with absolutely no money, but with a cat. Despite his enough old age, the animal managed to catch all the rats and mice in the palace. The Doge was so happy that he showered the Chinese with gold so that the cat would stay in Venice. Having decided that they would pay more for silk of indescribable beauty than for a decrepit cat, the Chinese returned to Italy with a new product. The fabrics brought by the merchant delighted the Doge so much that without the slightest hesitation he said goodbye to the most valuable thing he had then. This is how the cat returned to his homeland.

Venice Carnival today

Approximately half a million tourists from different corners planets come together every year for the Venetian carnival. Festa delle Marie opens the action with a celebration dedicated to the release of girls kidnapped by pirates from Istria. Performances in the style of commedia dell'arte are shown on the square, after which tons of confetti rain down on the audience. And only then does the procession begin. Street concerts, fireworks, theatrical performances, palace balls and masquerades - these are the few things that delight the Venetian carnival. The costumes of the Venetians, embodying the popular characters of Italian comedy - Pierrot, Columbine, Harlequin, Pantalone - become a kind of emblem of Venice for several days. Carnival today is an attempt to reflect the frivolous, reckless and enchantingly cheerful atmosphere of the ancient Roman Saturnalia.

In 1996, world-famous couturier Pierre Cardin personally wrote the anthem of the Venice Carnival, and distinctive feature carnival performances recent years is the participation of the artist from Russia Mikhail Shemyakin. Costumes worn by many of the elite different countries sewn according to his sketches. But less demanding travelers prefer to make exclusive Venetian masks with their own hands. This is not only much cheaper financially, but also allows the ordinary tourist to feel involved in such an ancient and great event called the Venetian Carnival.(jcomments on)

Fiery temperament, picturesque sights, sincere friendliness and a huge amount of sun - these are the epithets with which southern Italy is associated.

However, a few days a year all these wonderful features become especially concentrated and part of the country turns into a grand celebration.

This is the great Venetian carnival, which takes place annually in the most unique corner of the country - in St. Mark's Square.

History of the carnival

Annual carnivals in Venice are first mentioned by ancient sources from the beginning of the 11th century; the festival at that time, although without costumes and masks, was organized in honor of the defeat of the city of Aquileia and the overthrow of its ruler. Later, the ruler of Venice issued a decree according to which large-scale celebrations were to be held in order to properly celebrate and break the fast before the start of Lent.

In 1296, the Venetian Senate recognized the last day before Lent as a holiday, and the carnival as an official holiday of the state.

From about 16-18 centuries. The Venice Ball gained enormous popularity and flourished, citizens began to dress up in elaborate costumes and use masks. Then the Venetian masquerade lasted for quite a long time - from October until Lent, whereas in our time only ten days are allotted for the celebration. Nevertheless, both then and now, long before the date, all of Italy begins to be shaken by joyful excitement in anticipation of the holiday.

You will learn more about the history of the Venice Carnival from the video:

On these days, all citizens freed themselves from their professional and domestic duties to take part in a spectacular procession held in the three main areas of the city: Piazza San Marco, Riva del Schiavonni and Piazzetta. The whole city, to the sounds of drums and wind instruments, watched the play of jugglers, the magic of magicians and the art of acrobats. The music of the Venice Carnival was performed with such zeal and roar that hundreds musical instruments they simply crumbled in the hands of the players.

At the carnival venue one could taste delicacies: roasted chestnuts, candied fruits, local and foreign baked goods.

The Venetian carnival mask became the main “highlight” of the procession only in the 18th century, when the riot reached its climax: even the most modest citizens and townswomen, putting on costumes, covered their faces with masks: men - white “Larva”, and women - black “Moretta”, a characteristic feature of which was that its wearer was forced to remain silent due to the presence of braid fastenings that had to be held with her teeth.

Details about Venetian masks you will learn from the video:

The masks were made by special craftsmen who, having received a cast of the customer’s face, made the product of the desired shape and “style”. Also men's suits complemented by a long black cloak - Bauta, and a black triangular hat.

Such a cover allowed even the most well-behaved citizens, thanks to Moretta and Larva, to become incognito and slightly (or not quite slightly) violate their moral principles.

Even pious priests wore carnival masks that covered the entire face, and not only for decoration purposes! Later, the Venetian authorities, by issuing several laws, prohibited townspeople from using cloaks and masks outside the carnival procession in order to avoid crimes committed under the cover of the carnival.

Basic traditions

The celebration begins quite touchingly and excitingly - with the Festa delle Marie - the Feast of the Marys, organized in honor of the liberation of 12 beautiful girls, who sailed on the day of the festival in boats to meet their future husbands, from the pirates who captured them at the height of the carnival.

The Venice Carnival begins with the Festa delle Marie

In salvation beautiful brides not only their beloved ones participated, but also His Majesty the Doge of Venice himself!

And coincidentally, many of the rescued girls were named Maria. Since then, according to tradition, wealthy people of the city annually donated luxury items and jewelry to poor beauties - Marias, who did not have a dowry, so that they could get married successfully.

It is not surprising that many Venetian women bear the name Maria, which, according to the townspeople, contributes to a profitable and successful marriage.

The continuation of the Carnival of Masks in Venice is a gentle, exciting and touching spectacle. From a height of 100 meters, from the top of the bell tower of the Church of St. Mark, a gentle angel - a girl in a sparkling white guise - descends onto the city, holding on to belts. This unearthly creature seems to “flow” and soar in the air, which gives the audience a feeling of divine providence.

You can admire this spectacle by watching the video:

And then the whole of Venice is permeated by large-scale processions in fancy multi-colored costumes, which most specially order from designers, despite the fabulous sum that will have to be paid for a work of tailoring art.

Venetian carnival costume is gorgeous fabrics bright color combinations, variety of shapes, styles, images, richness of decor.

Among the characters in the carnival costume you can find Figaro, Pierrot, Pulcinello, Harlequin - characters Commedia dell'Arte, presented at carnival in the sixteenth century.

In addition, the popular characters of Bauto are someone in a black cloak, a cocked hat and a forehead as white as snow, and the Venetian Lady is a beauty in a rich outfit (can be named Valerie, Salome, Fantasia, etc.). Also a favorite character of the masquerade is a cat, according to legend, brought from China and, despite his old age, exterminating all the mice and rats in the Doge's palace, and Volto - a mask with the image of an ordinary townsman.

A mask depicting an ordinary citizen is very popular at the Venice Carnival

And the most mysterious and tragic character of the carnival is, perhaps, the Plague Doctor - an image of a medieval doctor in a mask with a long spire-nose, where the doctors put herbs, which, in their opinion, saved them from plague infection, in a gloomy voluminous cloak that visually turned him into a bird of prey , and with a cane in hand, so as not to touch the “plague-stricken”.

At this moment, all of Venice is covered with multi-colored “snow”; the sounds of songs, music, and cheerful laughter can be heard from everywhere! You can’t keep any of the townspeople within the walls of their apartments these days! And since 1996, the Venice Carnival has acquired its own anthem, written, quite unexpectedly, by fashion maestro Pierre Cardin.

Carnival in Venice: our days

When is Carnival in Venice?

Since the ten-day festival, according to tradition, takes place immediately before the start of Lent, it is not possible to determine the exact date when the Venice Carnival takes place, since Easter is celebrated at different times every year! The date marking the beginning of the masquerade is different every year, but there is one peculiarity: the start date falls each time in either March or February. Moreover, if this year the Ball was opened in February, then next year it will be March, and vice versa.

You can plunge into the atmosphere of the carnival by watching the video:

When should you go to Carnival in Venice?

You need to book a hotel in advance, and it is better if it is located not in Venice itself, but in cities located nearby: Padua, Vicenza, Verona, in a word, where you can get there by bus or car.

It is best to book a hotel room for no more than three to four days, since the noise of the crowd and queues in shops and restaurants risk turning a wonderful vacation into a tiring “struggle for survival.”

It is best to stay in the city of Maestra, a Venetian province with many roads and railways connecting Mestra with Venice. You also need to book a transport ticket to Venice in advance, best using the services of the local Trenitalia website.

What would you like to bring with you?

Tourists who have purchased tours to the Carnival in Venice simply need to take a carnival costume with them, and you can either make it yourself or order it from a designer if you have the means and want to look colorful in a Venetian way. You can also rent a suit from local shops and tailor shops; this service is also very common.

Luxury suits can be rented from local shops

You can also buy a mask right here; they are sold in abundance, counting on the huge influx of tourists. By the beginning of the carnival season, a variety of face masks look at customers from the windows of every shop and store, so there is no need to fear that you will be left without one.

A few useful subtleties

When planning a train trip to the carnival, you should consider the following points:

• When going to the carnival, it is very undesirable to take small children and pets with you, because a crowd of thousands filling the streets poses a real danger to a defenseless creature;
• As with transport tickets to Venice, book tables in restaurants in advance, as due to the crowd there are usually no empty seats;
• The most interesting shows and performances take place not on the streets of the city, but inside local palaces and theater halls.
  

  It is advisable to buy a ticket for such events in advance, since the festive atmosphere there is no less concentrated, but there is much less noise from the crowd.

  If you are a supporter of a civilized, restrained and cultural holiday, then this vision of the holiday suits you just right. The most colorful show is the Doge's Ball, held in the Piasni Moretta palace, located on the Grand Canal.

  Watch the video to see how the ball goes:

  True, one ticket for it will cost 500 euros. Also, colorful performances take place in La Fenisa, the local theater building, where there will be dancers, musicians, and acrobats. All information about the annual carnival action is posted on a website specifically dedicated to the Venetian Masquerade: http://www.carnevale.venezia.it/

Well, what to see in Venice, besides the carnival, read