Loyola University Chicago

The Culture of Carnivale

After 1,500 years of celebrated existence, Venice pulls at the heart strings of people all around the world. Seemingly floating in the Venetian Lagoon on the western coast of Italy, the city never ceases to mesmerize its tourists and citizens. As a recent visitor, I, too, was awestruck with its unique beauty.

The city offers a multitude of breathtaking Baroque and Byzantine art and architecture, often giving the impression of a large area. On the contrary, this world-renowned city spans only three square miles. Nevertheless, Venice manages to support the hundreds of thousands who visit each year. In particular, the famous Carnivale festival attracts the largest crowds to Venice. Just prior to the Catholic season of Lent, thousands crowd into the historic Piazza di San Marco to witness the costumes and performances illuminating the square. Pairs or groups of Venetians parade about the piazza and through the crowds in fantastic and magnificent ensembles.

The costumes range from elaborate period pieces to eccentric modern disguises. Face painters crowd the sides of the royal palace adorning the faces of those wishing to participate in this display of color and art.

The significance of the Carnivale celebration to resident Venetians is apparent in the detail and the care with which they create their costumes. Some Venetians may spend an entire year designing a costume only to begin a new one soon after Carnivale. One Venetian explained that the costumes are a subtle competition of wealth, ingenuity, and skill among the citizens of Venice.

Not only is the importance of Carnivale to Venetians easily recognizable as you walk through the piazza, but also as you stray off into the narrow side streets and passageways. Almost everywhere you turn quaint shops sell hand-painted masks or relics of Carnivale past. One cannot help but wonder how so many specialized shops are able to support themselves off season. However, as a store owner pointed out, Venice flourishes during the summer season as hordes of tourists come to appreciate Venice on a warm summer night. Not surprisingly, these visitors also appreciate the beauty of the hand-painted masks and the locally made glass-beaded necklaces.

Reflecting on my weekend in Venice, I realized the magnitude and the importance of art to the citizens of this beautiful city. The grandiose facades and architecture are well preserved and maintained. Venice also houses many of the world's greatest museums, artists and glass-blowing workshops. The marvelous costumes and masks of Carnivale symbolize the Venetian belief that art is the greatest form of expression.