The carnival began as a time for expression and celebration throughout the classes, as the wearing of colourful masks conceals the wearers their real identity and social status. In 1970s, the government of Italy made a decision to revive the culture and history of Venice with the use of the traditional carnival as the main attraction of their endeavours. At present, about 30,000 sightseers come to Venice every day to witness and join the carnivals.
Masks have always been around the city of Venice. They have always been a significant highlight of the superb Venetian carnival. They allow the wearers to act more freely with other members of the society, even to those outside the bounds of character and everyday convention. Conventionally, people were allowed to show off their masks between St. Stephen's Day (festival of Santo Stefano) and the beginning of the festival season and midnight of Shrove Tuesday. Masks were also permitted to be worn on Ascension Day and from the 5th day of October up to Christmas Day. Hence, the Venetians are able to spend a great proportion of the year in masquerade, making the mask makers (mascheran) enjoy an exceptional social position.
Venetian masks are distinguished by their elaborately and greatly ornamented designs, which usually feature bright colours like silver or gold and complex adornment in the baroque style. The original masks however were pretty simple in decoration and design and frequently had an emblematic and sensible function. Today, majority of these masks are made with the use of gold leaf and gesso, all are hand-painted and adorned with natural gems and feathers.
Carnevale di Venezia is a crazy, funny and colourful event that will definitely keep any visitor in high spirits.