The Carnevale of Venice was first recorded in 1268. Traditionally carnival is the last chance for all-out indulgence before giving up luxuries for Lent
Masks have always been a central feature of the Venetian carnival; traditionally people were allowed to wear them between the festival of Santo Stefano, December 26, at the start of the carnival season and midnight of Shrove Tuesday. Maskmakers (mascareri) enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws and their own guild.
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Most events take place in Piazza San Marco, including different concerts and large balls open to anyone wearing a costume - in particular the grand dance on the carnival's final evening. The tradition of mask wearing originally allowed Venetians to adopt a different persona. The nobility could enjoy romantic 'liaisons' in the city's private clubs and gamblers could disguise their identity from their creditors.
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Then of course, there are the infamous [I]private[/I] masked balls... :eek:
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