Carnival Of Venice

The Carnival in Venice is said to have originated from an important victory of the "Repubblica della Serenissima" (Ancient name of Venice), in the war against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, in theyear 1162. To celebrate this victory, dances and reunions started to take place in SAN MARCO SQUARE. The term "carnevale" comes from the Latin for "farewell to meat" and suggests a good-bye party forthe steaks and stews that Catholics traditionally gave up during the weeks of fasting before Easter. The masquerade aspect of Carnival is even older: the Romans celebrated winter with a fertilityfestival where masks were worn by citizens and slaves alike. Another hypothesis suggests that the word comes from 'Carrus Navalis', which was in times past a Roman festival in honour of Saturn. This wascelebrated with horse drawn carriages that used to carry men and women in fancy dresses and masks and singing obscene songs. Today's concept of Carnival, as celebrated in certain countries, could havepossibly originated or at least associated with this hypothesis.

When the carnival first begun it was celebrated from December 26 and reached its climax the day before Ash Wednesday, also known as"Mardi Gras". Carnival was the stage of lavish masked balls, Commedia dell'Arte plays, musical celebrations and costumed parades that included the different segments of society. Eventualy the maskbecame the symbol of the Carnival.
Thus Carnival of Venice is considered one of the world’s most famous festivals and fills the whole city with musicians, acrobats, clowns, magicians, puppeteers,beautiful masks, elaborate costumes, and parades. People come from around the world to participate in masked balls and general festivities in the ancient Venetian tradition, and to enjoy theatrical and danceperformances, exhibitions and concerts along the canals, squares and the magnificent palaces of the city. Carnival traditions are the same, but every year the theme is different.
During the period...