The origin of Venice carnival, which is particularly heartfelt both by locals and by tourists, dates back centuries: the first document in which the term carnival is explicitly used and connected to the idea of public entertainment was written in 1094, while the first official edict asserting that Carnival was to be considered a public holiday was written in 1296. In that period it was probably necessary for the Serenissima republic to give its citizens, in particular to the lowest classes, the possibility to have fun and to celebrate, and wearing masks was not only synonym with amusement, but it was also a way to destroy all differences and social classes, thanks to the anonymity that people gained through masks. Masks production thus became a real form of art, and the job of mascariere was officially acknowledged in 1436 (and Venice is still well-known for its masks shops). Carnival celebrations, which in the beginning lasted 6 weeks, marked also the following centuries, and the golden period of Venice Carnival arrived in the 18th century, when it became a well-known event also in the surrounding countries. However, towards the end of the century, after Napoleon's occupation, carnival celebrations stopped, and they began again only in 1979.
Since then Venice Carnival has become more and more important, it has gained an international appeal and it has become an attraction both for adults and for children. This year celebrations, which will start on February 14th and end on February 24th, will take place in all the city's sestieri, each of those will be connected to one of the five senses: San Polo to sight, Dorsoduro to hearing, Santa Croce to smell, Cannareggio to taste and Castello to touch, while San Marco's area will be linked to the sixth sense, i.e. intellect. All the city will therefore be invaded by masks and cheerful people, and visitors will be offered a programme of events that has never been as rich as this year, and that includes music and dance shows, performances of acrobats and buskers of international renown, as well as workshops for children and food stalls (grab the chance to taste some Venetian delicatessen, like frittelle), but also terrific masked balls and parties organised in fascinating locations. Although we live in 2009, the most ancient carnival traditions will not miss, and some of the most awaited events are the Flight of the Angel (or Flight of the Dove), first held in the 16th century, and the Feast of Mary, the recollection of a historical event that took place in 943, which is characterised by a procession led by flag-wavers, musicians and12 local girls, among whom the most beautiful one is elected.
Venice carnival is a good mix of ancient traditions and modern entertainment, appreciated both by children and by adults; it is characterised by a cheerful atmosphere and by wonderful masks that have no equal in the world. It is for all these reasons that for centuries carnival has been identified with Venice.
During carnival the city is overcrowded with tourists: to be sure to find accommodation book now a cheap hotel in Venice.
Date: 14th 24th February 2009
Location: Venice, Italy
It consists of only 28 days, 4 full weeks, and unlike the other months of the year there are no extra days dangling off the end.
And to make it even sweeter, there is a celebration smack dab in the middle on Valentine's day.
As I looked at the calender, I thought to myself, what could I do with this perfect month? I feel as though it is a gift and I could wrap it in bright red paper and tie it in a bow and give it away to others and to myself.
As I stared at the 28 days sitting there before me, all in a row, on the calendar, I wondered to myself. Where will I be on the last day, what will I have accomplished, what will I have done with this precious month that I have been given. What new people, experiences, habits, will I welcome into my life and which ones am I now ready to let go of?
What one thing can I promise myself to do every single day, for just 28 days, and keep my word about it, and how will I feel at the end when I have completed it?
What if I could just get inside of this box. I could say to myself "Here I am. I'm in February." How would I see the world from there and how would the world see me? How would I choose to BE inside this box?
What if I chose to be totally present and conscious, not walking around in a daze, but aware of each moment, taking nothing for granted, counting each blessing, savoring each encounter, relishing each experience, feeling grounded to the earth, perhaps for the very first time, viewing it all from a higher place than before. And if I found myself off centre, I could remember, "Hey, I'm in February" and get back in the box, so to speak, get right back on track. I could remember that again, and again and again, if I needed to. I could do that for just 28 little days!
How about you? Will YOU join me? I am giving you this precious gift, this February. Rip off the paper, unwrap the bow, and get inside the box, really get inside February!
We'll meet again at the end. We'll have a lot to talk about, you and I. I'm sure of it.
Both Michele De Capitani & Veronica Hay are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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