Venice Carnival February 2009, Italy

Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 16th January 2009 at 04:20 PM, Filed in Europe,  February

February 13-24th

Have you ever been to Venice? No? Then do go; it’s one of the most amazing, fascinating cities in the world.

There is no best time to go, the summers are hot – and crowded, but the sun sparkling on the canals is breathtaking. Winter’s watery sunlight adds a different perspective to what you see – wrap up very warm, my last trip here was in a November, and my goodness we were glad of warm gloves and scarves. I could fully understand (though did not approve) of the wealthy, glamorous women wrapped in their fur coats!

Expensive – yes, but it’s a MUST on your list of places to see and savor.

But this is not an article to extol the art treasures and the fading beauty of it’s building. It’s to tempt you to visit in the chilly month of February to enjoy the carnival. Various festivals take place throughout the year, but the one in February is the highlight and the most famous.

The Venice Carnival has existed since the 13th Century in various forms. Every year the event has a new theme; 2009’s is “Sensation” inspired by the senses- discover, see, feel, touch smell and taste – in the six districts of Venice, which is full of colour, surprises and sensations!

The carnival is two weeks of processions, traditional ceremonies, masquerades, music all taking place among the romantic squares, canals and palaces of this unique and ancient city.

Visitors come from all over the world to participate. St Marks’ square, the famous campi and the theatres explode into life with musical, acrobatic and theatrical performances. The whole city is filled with revellers – with one thing in mind….to enjoy,  participate and become voyeurs of the amazing costumes and people living life to the full.  For those with deep pockets – and who would like to become aristocrats (maybe some of them acutally are but who knows when the masks are donned) there are masked balls, gala dinners and brunches (all in period costume) to attend.

The tradition of the masks – and the bauto (hood and cape), tabarro (cloak) and the tricorn hat were worn because of the total anonymity they gave to the wearers! It has been the tradition of the carnival that has existed since the 13th century to wear them adding to the mystery and excitement of the occasion. The mask has very ancient origins, and was used for many months of the year. They were allowed from the day of Santo Stefano that marked the start of the Venetian Carnival, to midnight of Shrove Tuesday that marked the end (they were not allowed on days of religious festivals). They were also used during the fortnight of the Ascension, and ended up with the wearing of it, with a few exceptions, up to half way through June. After a while it was permissible to wear a mask from 5th October to the 16th December (the Christmas novena).

Masks and capes where permitted for all major events; official banquets and other celebration. They had many uses!!!! The mask – to protect gamblers from giving away indiscrete looks (mainly to avoid their creditors) or by noblemen begging on street corners… to help them retain their anonymity!

There are so many fantastic balls, gala dinners, and sights occurring through out the 2 weeks that make up carnival days that it’s impossible to do them all justice here…but I will whet your appetite by outlining a few, and giving dates for more!

If you are going to attend one of the balls hire a costume, you will want to ‘look the part’ so to immerse yourself into the complete atmosphere and ambiance of the occasion. There are many costumiers that stock the full ensemble, costumes, wigs and masks – to transport you to a bygone age of mystery, liaisons and decadence!

Friday 13th

Carnival Opening at the Luna Hotel Baglioni. Start time 20.00; this is the traditional opening of the Carnival set one of the most exclusive Venetian Ballrooms. A special menu will be served with typical Venetian food. The first chance you will have to parade your costumes! Entertainment includes comedy and dancing. Dress code, Costume (Costume d’Epoque or cloak and mask). Cost 230 euros.

Saturday 14th

At the Dandolo Palace (Hotel Monaca & Grand Canal) at 8.30,  “The Ridotto” in the halls of the Ridotto; A music theatre show about the life of the young Casanova, with dancers, acrobats, singers and a live music all in costume of the Atelier Tiepolo. After dinner dance and waltzes performed and directed by a Dance Master. The dress code is costume.  Cost is 450 euros

Serenissima Grand Ball is at 9.00 – paying homage to Saint Valentine with a Gala Dinner and entertainment; including music from La Traviata, La Boheme, and the Barber of Seville. After midnight music and dancing. Dress code Costume and mask.  Cost is 270 euros

Sunday 15th

12.30pm The grand historical pageant depart for San Pietro di Castello.  FREE.

At the Hotel Danieli 9.00; Dinner in the most exclusive hotel In Venice, during and after the meal the master of dance will invite you to dance minuets, rondo and other traditional group dances. Dress code Costume

Gran Ball of Colombina start time 21.00 at Palazzo Pesaro Papafava, this is billed as an Extravagant Masks Parade with Sound and Pictures, Gala Dinner and Entertainment. The palace will be illuminated entirely by candles giving a truly romantic atmosphere.

No events on the Monday 16th

Tuesday 17th

16.00 Hot chocolate, cakes and sweets in the Café Lavena…. this is a tradition going back to the 18th century - dress code costume

Wednesday 16th

Gondola Tour & Dinner – a Gondola tour in costume with dinner at the Restaurant Do Forni

Thursday 17th

The official Ball of the carnival, time 20.30, in historical costume, set in the candle lit palazzo Pisani-Moretto overlooking the Grand Canal

Atelier Peitro Longhi Carnival Ball, time 20.30 at the palazzo Abirzzi Pro Ludo

La Dolce vita Gran Ball of Guistina Renier Michieil, time 21,00, held in the 14th century palace Pesaro Papfava which will be illuminated by candlelight – full evening of entertainment

Friday 20th

There are four amazing, resplendent balls for you to choose from

Ball of Louis du Soleil, time.19.00, Palazzo Zenobia - birds of fire will dance along the canal, a harpist will play, the champagne will flow, Magicians, fire eaters to entertain you, fantastic food and dancing. Dress historical costume.

Don Giovanni and Casanova, time 20.00, Palazzo Dona dale Rose, a candlelight dinner, music of the Caffe Concerto Strauss, dancing, dress Carnival costume

Great Baglioni party, time 22.00, Luna Hotel Baglioni, buffet and dancing, dress Carnival costume

Dinner Dansant Le Menuet, time 21.00, Hotel Danieli. Dinner. Dancing minuets and other group dances

Operetta “The Servant Mistress”, time 21.00, Papafava Palace, Gala dinner and entertainment, dress costume and mask

Saturday 21st

9 events – for full information go the Venice Website…here are 4

Baroque Music Concert and cocktails, time 11.00
Mask Parade, time 15.00

Ball of Casanova, time 19.00, Palazzo Zenobia – the ball of balls with the appearance of Casanova! A masquerade ball - with artists and acrobats to entertain you throughout the evening; Dress historical costume.

Il Ballo del Doge, start 20.30 Palazzo Pisano Moretta sul Canal Grande – one of the most important and sought after events of the carnival – classified among 100 things not to miss in life.

Sunday 22nd

6 events, including; Mask parade, Hot chocolate in costume, 3 more balls

Monday 23rd

Just one event…..Gondola tour and dinner

Tuesday 24th

Goodbye Carnival at the Luna Hotel Baglioni, start 18.30, with opera, the chance to parade your costume, dinner and dancing.

There are 3 other balls you can attend on this last night…  If you go this year or have been before do share your thoughts with our readership.

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