The Carnival of Venice
There are many popular and famous carnivals all around the world. Most of them are famous because of the size and popularity, like the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for instance. Carnivals are celebrated for a diverse number of reasons, but usually, they are celebrated before a national holiday or festivity. However, that does not mean that all carnivals are celebrated because of that reason. To give an instance, Carnival of Venice, this is a very popular carnival celebrated in Venice, Italy. It is a very famous and interesting carnival because of its uniqueness.
Behind this great carnival, there stands a long and interesting history. The Carnival of Venice started after the victory of the Venice Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162. Venice Republic’s victory over their enemy made their people very happy that they made it an official celebration and tradition. They gathered in Saint Mark’s Square to dance and celebrate their victory. Italy celebrates the Carnival of Venice with a huge winter festival.
A unique aspect of this carnival is the masks. In the Carnival of Venice, almost everyone wears a mask. They are loved by many people who attend this carnival. They can hide their identities, boost their confidence, and perform new activities. Furthermore, there are many other activities and contests throughout the carnival. For example, “The Best Mask Contest,” arcade games, and a variety of snacks to eat while enjoying the carnival.
However, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 under the rule of the Holy Roman Emperor and later Emperor of Austria, Francis II. It was not enough to outlaw the carnival, but use if masks became strictly forbidden throughout the whole city. Years later, the carnival returned in 1979 because the Italian Government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice and share their effort with the world.
After the return of the carnival of Venice, it became one of the most famous and popular carnivals of all in a short period of time. The community started to gather together, and young college students started to gain interest in the carnival. According to an internet source, the redevelopment of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Since then, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival.
Overall, I think that carnivals are a good way to celebrate whichever reason, victories, the birth of a person that became a legend, among others. It is a great way to celebrate because carnivals bring the community together if not the whole city or country together. Not to mention that they are fun and beautiful to experience.
Perhaps, if you are traveling through Europe, I really recommend you to make a stop by Venice and enjoy the food, activities, parades, and the unique and wonderful experience. I am certainly sure that there will be no regrets. I definitely will like to make a stop through Venice and experience this unique opportunity and enjoy it to the last second.
