Carnevale in Venezia

We felt fortunate to find ourselves in Venice during the celebration of Carnevale in Venice this year.

CARNEVALE IN HISTORY
Carnivale was the celebration during which participants had license to really celebrate everything that would be given up before the start of Lent. The name of Carnevale is attributed to the idea of the "Death of Meat" as meat is off limits during Lent. Historically, participants would wear masks, blurring the lines between the aristocrats and the plebeians, celebrating equality.

CARNEALE 2012
Just as it was in the past, Carnevale is a party! It includes masks, costumes (period and otherwise), wine fountains, Frittelle, costume contests and performances. Take a look!

The stage set up in the Piazza San Marco. The viewing areas to the right and left of the stage were selling for 800 Euros/day.

Dance performance

Period dance to Bach's Minuet in C

Wine Fountain!

MASKS!

Masks were sold (and worn) all over town

Senor Walker

Hats had to stay on-- it was freezing!

COSTUMES!

GOODIES

The tray in the top center has a traditional Carnevale food: Fritelle. They are Venetian donuts that can contain fruit or cream. Although it was too cold to sample gelato, we were not shy about trying as much Fritelle as we could stand. It was Carnevale, afterall.

Everybody's favorite: Vueve Cliquot, all dressed for the occassion.