Feb 24 2009
Venetian Masquerade Masks
The 40 days before Ash Wednesday and Lent are known as a time of celebration around the world—Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnaval in Brazil, and Carnevale in Venice.
The detailed and ornate Venetian masks are a well-known attraction for Venice’s Carnevale. Made from a variety of materials by master mascherari, the masks and costumes worn during the celebrations have come to represent Venice’s beauty, secretive nature, and elegance.
First mentioned as part of Carnevale in the 13th century, the masquerade masks and costumes became a way for members of different social classes mingle without issue. Some masks are based on traditional characters (like Harlequin), while others simply come from the maskmaker’s imagination. 
The traditional Venetian mask is actually a white half-mask that covers the nose or has a long beak.
Costumes are also elaborate and usually hand-made. Some are simply black robes while others are colorful, bright, and have many layers.
The masks are now widely photographed and easy to purchase at any time of the year, because in modern Carnevale, locals and visitors dress in their costumes and walk the city posing frequently for photographers. You can purchase your own masquerade mask (although possibly not an authentic Venetian mask), like this one:
Venice’s Carnevale celebrations began on Friday, February 13th and end today, Fat Tuesday (also known as Shrove Tuesday), on February 24th. Gala dinners, balls, and conerts marked the event as thousands of visitors descended upon the narrow alleyways and St. Mark’s Square. I’ve visited Carnevale several times and have enjoyed it every time–especially the photos I’ve taken!
Enjoy!
I’ve always loved the bright colors involved with the masks; but am not much into the parades etc.
Blog walking this am, trying to burn off some frustration..lol
Sandy
swing by for a visit