The Venetian carnival, according to historical data, started in 1268, and through many ups and downs still manages to exist in the hearts of the people of Venice as few memorable days for which they eagerly wait the whole year.
Masks are a very important part of Venice Carnival. Traditionally people used to wear masks from St. Stephen's Day till Shrove Tuesday, a day before Ash Wednesday. But in 1797, the carnival came to a stop and was discontinued for almost two decades when Austria took over Venice. Later too in the 1930s, the Fascist government also stopped the carnival. It was very recently revived in the 1980s and now the people of Venice celebrate the carnival for two weeks.
Venetian masks are generally either made with leather or using the original 'papier mache' technique. The traditional masks are simplistically designed and properly decorated fulfilling both symbolic and practical purposes. The modern masks mostly are for decorative purposes and are made with gesso and gold leaf. They are painted and ornamented with gems and natural feathers. The different types of masks are:
Bauta - It is a mask which covers the whole face, with just the chin line exposed. It was used to conceal the identity of the wearer. It is a common type of mask among people in the carnival. Another type of masks which are sold as Bautas covering the face till the nose and the upper cheeks enables the one wearing to eat, drink and talk easily without revealing themselves.
Moretta - Worn by women visiting convents, it is an oval shaped mask made with black velvet and accompanied with a veil. Though it was first used in France, it became very popular as it brought out the magnificence of feminine features.
Larva - Also known as the volto, this authentic white in color Venetian mask is worn with a tricorn hat and a cloak. Made up of wax cloth, these masks are lighter and covered the face till the upper cheeks and the nose. Larva in Latin means Ghost and if you see a Venetian walking down the moonlit alley in the midnight wearing a Larva, a cloak and a tricorn, he may definitely look like someone from the other world.
World Flights hotels tours offers online information on Masks of Venice Carnival.
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