A record number of tourists wearing special costumes and masks strolled along the Venetian “stradele” and through the city’s markets during the Carnival of Venice. Last weekend, the north-eastern Italian city received around 250,000 visitors, including Russia’s first lady Svetlana Medvedev and Minister Mariastella Gelmini.
Carnivals were established during the early part of the Serenissima era (697–1797) which saw Venetians celebrating with music and dance. During these parties, the mask became the primary focus. With a mask, everyone becomes equals, with no distinction between class and social status.
The carnival’s origins were first documented in 1094 by Doge Vitale Falier who cited how the people spoke publicly for the first time and about the entertainment throughout the city were reminiscent of “carnevale” which was a Christian tradition.
The Carnival of Venice was held from February 26 to March 8.
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