The Venice Carnival

The Carnival of Venice has begun from the victory of the Repubic of Venice in 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance and celebrate in San Marco Square. This festival became official in the Renaissance: the baroque carnival was a way to show the prestigious image of Venice to the world. It encouraged freedom to express people’s personality and pleasures, but it was also used to protect the superstitious Venetians from present and future bad luck. However, under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Austrian Empire, in 1797 the festival tradition had been removed in, and the use of the typical masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually later in the nineteenth century, but only for short periods and above all for private events, where it became an occasion to show artistic creations.

The first documented sources mentioning the use of masks in Venice can be found as far back as the 13th century. The meaning of the mask put its roots when one scholar argues that covering the face in public was a uniquely Venetian response to one of the most rigid class hierarchies in European history. During Carnival, the laws were suspended, and people could dress as they liked, instead of according to the rules that were set down for their profession and social level.

 

The traditions included also the throwing of eggshells filled up with rose water and tossed by young men at young women who they admired. However, in some cases, the eggs were filled with ink or other damaging substances. The mask was ensuring the privacy of the person, as gambling in public was normally illegal, except during Carnival. Nowadays, this tradition has passed away.

The most typical types of masks include:

Bauta: designed to comfortably cover the entire face; this traditional grotesque piece of art was characterized by the inclusion of an over-prominent nose, a projecting "chin line", and no mouth.

The Colombina is a half-mask, only covering the wearer's eyes, nose, and upper cheeks.

Medico Della Peste (The Plague Doctor) This mask is often white colored, and consist of a hollow beak and round eyeholes covered with crystal discs, creating the effect of a pair of spectacles.

Moretta/Servetta muta. Its origin comes from the type of mask invented in France in the sixteenth century, but differs from others because it was only just large enough to conceal a woman's identity and was held in place by the wearer biting on a button all the time (the women wearing this mask were unable to speak), and was often finished off with a veil.

The Fast Private Jet Team is happy to assist you with your luxury entrance into the Maritime Republic on board of an elegant private jet. We would be pleased to also book for you restaurant and events tickets to make this experience more enjoyable. If you plan to take part in an exclusive masquerade ball or other Venetian Carnival activities, please take into consideration that mask and outfits are necessary, to properly enjoy the atmosphere of this enchanting festival.

Venice Carnival costumes and masks can be rented at the Atelier Tiepolo in Venice, at the base of the famous Danieli Hotel: from 22nd February to 5th March 2019 you will have an extensive collection of Venetian costumes and masks at your disposal– rent starts from €320 - to take part in the great celebrations of the Venetian Carnival!

Some of the most exclusive balls and parties we selected for you include:

Il Ballo del Doge 2019 is an invitation to indulge in the attractiveness and beauty of the magnificent ephemeral.

The 2019 Official Carnival Dinner, Show and Ball is not simply a dining experience, it's an exclusive event where the pleasure of gourmet palate and the entertainment of the party merge together.

Mascheranda Grand Ball takes place in an elegant venue, facing the Grand Canal. International entertaining shows can be enjoyed during a fine dining experience.

Venice Carnival Party Cruise is an appointment for exclusive evenings on board the Venetian Galleon during Carnival that can’t be missed!

Casanova Grand Ball: experience this extraordinary masked ball's adventure along Casanova's love experiences, between amazing and forbidden games in a sontouse Palace!

Fly personal, fly private jet!