The Carnival of Venice (Italian: Carnevale di Venezia; Venetian: Carneval de Venèsia) is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, famous throughout the world for its elaborate costumes and masks. The Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso or Mardi Gras), which is the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. This Venetian carnival quickly became known throughout Europe, and between 20 and 30,000 foreigners, including many kings, participated in the Venice carnival. This enthusiasm is still very present, and Venice is still packed every year to the brim with all the fans of its carnival. History of the Venice Carnival Find a mask, grab a spritz, and read on to learn the best ways to celebrate like a Venetian! What It Is. Similar to Mardi Gras here in the U.S., carnival is a time of celebration and indulgence before the period of Lent begins for practicing Catholics. Most carnival celebrations are two-week affairs that end on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent Italian Mardi Gras celebrations : we look at the traditions of Mardi Gras in Italy - what they are and where to find them. Mardi Gras, known as ‘ Carnevale ’ (pronounced car-nay- vahl -ay) in Italy, is one of the most important events in Italian culture and customs - and contrary to popular belief it doesn't only happen in Venice. Il Carnevale di Venezia torna dal 14 febbraio al 4 marzo 2025, scopri tutte le novità e il programma ufficiale! Masks: Handcrafted Venetian masks are the centerpiece of the Carnival. You can purchase them from artisans or rent them for the event. Costumes: Lavish 18th-century Venetian attire is the traditional choice. Simpler costumes are perfect for street events. The nonstop partying, gambling, and general irresponsibility reflected the decline of the Venetian Republic, which had begun to lose wealth and power with the rise of Dutch and British trade in the 1600s. After Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice in 1797, the Republic was finished and so were the desultory remnants of Carnival. The Venice Carnival takes place each year in February. It begins around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French or Martedi Grasso in Italian). Anti-Mask Law The main feature of the Venice Carnival has always been the stunning masquerade costumes and masks. Mardi Gras is a celebration steeped in tradition, color, and creativity. At the heart of this vibrant festival lies the iconic Mardi Gras mask, a symbol of mystery and artistry. Venetian masks, in particular, have become synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, blending history with modern design. This article delves into how these masks have transcended their origins to become a central Mardi Gras, last day of carnival All these bacchanals attain their fateful paroxysm on Ash Wednesday which marked the beginning of the festivities. Venice Carnival On Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday), they set off fireworks in broad daylight, and in the evening they burn an effigy of carnival: a stake was raised on the piazzetta near columns, and Mardi Gras Masks for Every Celebration. Discover our festive selection of handcrafted Mardi Gras masks for your next celebration. From Venetian-inspired designs to jester and couples masks, we have something for every party. Couple's Mardi Gras Masks. One of the hallmarks of Mardi Gras is the use of bold and symbolic colors—purple, green, and Mardi Gras Garden Flag - Venetian Mask, Mardi Gras Beads, Festival Flag, Party Flag, Carnival Flag, Mardi Gras Celebration, Jester Mask Flag (134) Sale Price $10.79 $ 10.79 25 Pieces Mardi Gras Birthday Decorations Mardi Gras Birthday Banner Mardi Gras Hanging Swirl Decorations for Mardi Gras Carnival Masquerade Birthday Baby Shower Party Supplies 4.5 out of 5 stars 51 Masquerade Masks 100 Bulk Vintage Masks of Masquerade Party, Venetian, Mardi Gras, Halloween, Masks for Women, Men. 4.6 out of 5 stars 8. $55.99 $ 55. 99. FREE delivery This item: Zinniday Mardi Gras Masks with Feathers - 2025 Carnival Masquerade Masks with Feather, Venetian Mask for Women $14.99 $ 14 . 99 Get it as soon as Saturday, Jan 18 Blulu 12 Pcs Mardi Gras Masquerade Mask Paper Masquerade Masks Carnival Prom Venetian Masks Half Retro Masquerade Mask Mardi Gras Christmas Costume Women Party Supplies 3.3 out of 5 stars 1,431 300+ bought in past month Blulu 12 Pcs Mardi Gras Masquerade Mask Paper Masquerade Masks Carnival Prom Venetian Masks Half Retro Masquerade Mask Mardi Gras Christmas Costume Women Party Supplies $7.99 $ 7 . 99 Get it as soon as Wednesday, Feb 12 About this item . Elegant Couple Design : This set includes two beautifully crafted masquerade masks—one for men and one for women. The men's mask features a sleek, classic Venetian design in bright pink with metallic accents, while the women's mask is adorned with rhinestones, sequins, and intricate floral details Excellent Venetian mardi gras mask for festivals, events, concerts, costume and cosplay parties and events. A beautiful and elegant baroque lace masquerade mask with light weight but extragavant feathers made for masquerade ball events, parties and Halloween costume events. Upgrade your look with an heir of mystery in masquerade masks from Mardi Gras Creations. We offer venetian masks in a variety of colors and styles, like hand-painted designs, cut-out metal, and feather accents.
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