The origins of the Venice Carnival are very distant. It was officially mentioned in 1094, when it was mentioned in a charter of the Doge Faliero. Then, in 1269, the Senate imposed the eve of Lent as a day of celebration when masks could be worn: Mardi Gras .
The Venetians of the time took full advantage of the last days before Lent to have fun and enjoy the pleasures and joys of life. The duration of the carnival is ten days, the ten days before Lent. The event takes place between the end of January and mid-February, depending on the year.
Since its creation, the primary objective of the carnival was to abolish the usual social netherlands email list constraints , thus, no more social barriers… young riders, old aristocrats and a merchant could party together without anyone being offended!
Everything becomes possible, “il Carnevale di Venezia” obliges.
During the carnival festivities, the ardor and joy of living, the colors and the emulation of luxury burst forth .
During the event, freedom of expression was unique for the time and pleasure: omnipresent. The inhabitants could criticize as they pleased. The aristocratic republic of Venice became democratic.
It was from the 17th century that the fame of the Venice carnival became atb directory European. At that time, the carnival was highlighted thanks to paintings by famous painters such as Pietro Longhi or Francesco Guardi.
Like this famous painting by Pietro Longhi depicting costumed Venetians in the Dandolo Palace in Venice:
The Ridotto in Venice
The annual opening of the carnival: “The Flight of the Angel”
Every year, the Carnival kicks off with “ The Flight of the Angel ”, this custom has evolved The Venice Carnival over the years: let’s trace its history!
Created in the mid-16th century, “The Flight of the Angel” was the flight of a secret summer 2024 summer social media trends guest of Venice who launched himself from the top of the bell tower of San Marco to the center of the square like a tightrope walker. In 1759, following the death of a tightrope walker, the acrobat was replaced by a large wooden dove. The event thus became ” The Flight of the Dove “.
Since the early 2000s, girls have been performing the angel’s flight by throwing themselves from the top of the bell tower to join their lovers on the Piazzetta.
Until 2010, this honor was reserved for celebrities (for example Federica Pellegrini in 2007). Since 2011, the “Marie” of the previous year is chosen. We immediately find out who the “Maries” are.