I absolutely LOVE The Carnival of Venice.
I have not been there, but the costumes and masks are incredible.
I dont like those Motley Crew, Theater of Pain looking Masks
that you get painted on a mirror at a creepy, cheesy
fly by night parking lot carnival.
You know the ones…
the set of white with black ribbon; happy mask – sad mask?
Maybe I hate them because they remind me of mimes.
But I digress…
A Brief History
The Venetians celebrated by wearing masks as
far back as the 13th century.
This tradition became increasingly common in celebrating the end of lent.
It was also popular to wear elaborate masks and dress for masquerade balls
held by the influential and wealthy people as a form of
festivities for amusement and celebrations.
In the 1930 Mussolini abolished the masks and Mardi Gras, but in 1979
local artists in Venice revived Carnevale and it was welcomed
with wholehearted excitement and is celebrated here in the U.S. as well.
Here are some gorgeous masks and costumes in honor of a classy Halloween.
First, Kirsten Dunst of course in Marie Antoinette
And this mask below is taken from an exact replica of my own face
upon opening the door to my
teen son’s room and getting a full whiff of the
dirty turtle cage and sweaty lacrosse clothes.
Click the picture above for a massive collection of similar masks and
costumes from Venice carnivals and more.
Just stunning.
xoxo,
! Have a Fabulous Day ! – Jenny at Dapperhouse
Bob ButterBottom
Jenny,
The masks in venice are awesome. Laura and I went to Italy on our honeymoon and Venice was our last stop. Unfortunately, we had spent basically all of our ‘souvenir’ money in other cities and didn’t bring any masks home. What was the real bummer though, was the masks were gorgeous, yet NOT expensive at all. Had we hit Venice first, I probably would have bought 4 or 5, because they were gorgeous and very inexpensive for such nice pieces of work. I went to school at Tulane in New Orleans, so Mardi Gras masks and costumes became part of my DNA, so Venice was so fun for that reason. cheers
Sarah
Love reading about the history of certain traditions. These masks and costumes are so intriguing! Makes me think of such an elegant time. Might have to keep this in mind for future Halloweens! Nice to see something a little different.
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm
The Venetians are cool – great show of pics!