One of the most loved parties by children, perhaps due to the colors of the costumes or the confetti thrown into the air with that almost contagious joy that only those who approach life can experience in its purest form. In the article you will find the story of the origins as well as the most beautiful Carnival parties in northern Italy.

Where was the Carnival born?

Its origins can be traced back to the purification rites that took place in ancient Greece and Roman civilization. A tradition that marked the transition between winter and spring, made official in 1926 by the Senate of the Republic and then reached Venice and other Italian cities.

Carnival in Venice, the most beautiful masks in Italy and useful information

Venice, with its canals and that mysterious atmosphere that characterizes it, is certainly one of the most beautiful locations to celebrate Carnival in Italy.

If you have seen Venice during this festival, I am sure you will have been amazed in observing and admiring the care and beauty of the Venetian Carnival masks. A real work of art that makes the Venetian Carnival one of the most coveted events not only in Italy but in the world.

First, it will be useful to know that the mask was considered a symbol of freedom. Wearing it allowed everyone to get away from their everyday life. A freedom from one’s own identity and from the class to which one belonged, unthinkable on any other occasion.

The “masks” were responsible for the creation of these works of art. Among the best known masks of the Venetian Carnival, we find the Moretta. Used by women, it was a small oval dark velvet mask of French origin. It was nicknamed dumb mask because the wearer had to hold a small button in his mouth.

The simplest was the Bauta, called Larva: a white mask that hid the face but also allowed drinking and eating. It was worn together with the typical costume that was used in combination: a dark cloak (the tabarro) and a black tricorn on the head.

Among the streets of Venice another mask is the protagonist: it is that of the plague doctor, used by doctors at the time. The mask, with a long shape with an aquiline beak, gave the doctor the possibility of not feeling unpleasant odors thanks to the herbal filter positioned inside.

How does the Venice Carnival, one of the most fascinating in Italy, take place?

In Venice, Carnival comes to life starting from what was previously called the flight of the Colombina, today the flight of the Angel. A tradition that was born in the sixteenth century and is repeated every year, on the first Sunday of the Carnival. The flight of the Eagle takes place the following week. The party ends with the Svolto del Leon, the Venetian flag is raised up to the bell tower and in the meantime the hymn of San Marco resounds in the square.

Venice is also distinguished by another aspect linked to the Carnival that is the ability to combine tradition and modernity in a unique show of its kind. The Venetian party on the water of Rio di Cannaregio sees the performance of acrobats and dancers between music and light shows. If you want to discover this beautiful city, read my article.

What are other places to celebrate Carnival?

Another city in which to celebrate Carnival in northern Italy is Verona. The original name was e’Bacanàl del Gnoco, an event born in the 16th century in the San Zeno district for the distribution of food products and provisions to the poorest population.

The Verona Carnival begins with the parade of floats through the streets of the historic center. There are various performances in addition to the beautiful floats, including majorettes accompanied by marching bands. A cheering crowd has always welcomed the floats and the thousands of people who animate the streets of Verona every year.

From the parade of floats to the historic regatta that takes place on the Adige river and the Carnival on the Liston: here the typical city masks take part in a beautiful party event in Piazza Brà. To conclude the Carnival, in addition to the arrival of Shrove Tuesday, it is the last city event.

It is Luni Pignatar in the Santo Stefano district where soup is distributed to the population. It was born from the Duke of Pignatta who was said to owe all his wealth to a piñata full of gold, found in a wood.

Not being able to distribute gold, today it is the soup that fills the famous piñata and the people who participate in the Carnival benefit from it.

On the day of Lent I suggest you reach the hamlet of Parona to participate in the Festa della Renga: allegorical parades, polenta and hot wine await you as well as a musical accompaniment not to be missed.

Verona, like Venice, is a romantic city to visit even on a day trip. The events of Romeo and Juliet have made it a city known all over the world, how about discovering it together? In this article I will go to suggest the most beautiful places to visit!