Italian Traditions – What Don't You Know About Them?

Carnival in Venice

Everyone knows that the most festive carnival in Italy is celebrated in Venice. And it's no wonder – this tradition dates back to ancient Saturnalia, and city archives indicate that masks were worn during festivities as early as the 11th century. What does this Italian tradition mean and how does carnival in Italy unfold? I invite you to read on!

It's worth knowing that the name of this Italian custom (which has been adopted by other European regions) comes from the words "carne" (meaning meat) and "vale" (to remove). The Italian carnival is therefore a celebration aimed at preparing for the period of Lent – it usually begins about 10 days before Ash Wednesday. Currently, the Venice Carnival begins at the turn of January and February and attracts tourists from all over the world, who flock to Venice at this time, don masks, and celebrate, eat, and have fun with Italians – some to experience Italian customs, and others to prepare their minds and bodies for the upcoming strict fasting period.

Italian customs – where did masks in Venice come from?

The most characteristic element of the Venice Carnival are the multi-colored, richly decorated masks. Some of them only cover the eyes, others the entire face, and still others are combined with hats to completely conceal the identity of the person celebrating. Where did this Italian tradition come from?

Venetian masks began to be produced to emphasize the equality of all participants in the celebration. The Carnival in Venice was meant for everyone: poor and rich, young and old, men and women (although at first women wore masks that stayed on their faces thanks to a hidden element inserted into their mouths – women did not participate in public discussions at that time). Italian tradition also dictates bowing to fellow revelers – and masks further emphasize the fact that one should bow to everyone – regardless of gender, age, or financial status.

It is also worth knowing that the Carnival in Venice and Italian masks caused certain problems for the city authorities. In 1603, wearing costumes was banned for some time because residents were taking too many liberties: there were attacks, rapes, and robberies, and the perpetrators, thanks to their masks, were not always identified. The cultivation of the Venice Carnival was completely abandoned by Napoleon, who conquered the city in the 18th century. The Italian tradition was only restored in 1979 and continues to this day.

Carnival in Venice is primarily about masks and costumes, which are small works of art

The biggest attractions of the Venice Carnival

Italian customs and traditions during the Venice Carnival are truly spectacular. Among the most famous are the selection of the most beautiful mask, which takes place every day during the Venice Carnival. Furthermore, on the opening day of the event, a show featuring costumed participants, artists, and dancers takes place on the water, as well as a water parade on the largest canal in Venice – the Grand Canal.

In addition to these attractions, throughout the carnival, participants can taste cichetti, small Italian snacks sold at stalls exclusively during the Venice Carnival. Another attraction is the procession of 12 Marias – beautiful girls whose procession goes through the city to commemorate the Italian tradition of the Doges. During their reign, 12 of the most beautiful Marias in the city were chosen and presented with... a dowry, funded by the Doge.

The most anticipated event during the entire Venice Carnival, however, is the "Flight of the Angel." This is a continuation of a tradition started by a daredevil in the 17th century – he climbed the bell tower above St. Mark's Square and "flew" on steel ropes over the crowd gathered in the square – all the way to the Doge's Palace. Since then, the "Flight of the Angel" takes place every year, although sometimes the character changes into a lion or an eagle.

Carnival in Italy offers many attractions – you'll find most of them in Venice!

I hope this post has encouraged you to take a carnival trip to Italy. Or perhaps you've already experienced Carnival in Venice? If so, be sure to share your memories in the comments!

Other categories:

patterned socks high-waisted leggings for gym men's no-show socks openwork tights for children tights for varicose veins black fishnet tights women's wool over-the-knee socks thick nude tights colorful socks compression knee-highs class 1