Venice Carnival - attract - heart of the Carnival - link Venice Carnival
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Events in Venice: the Carnival
Re-launched two decades ago, the Carnival was immediately regarded both in Italy and abroad as an event not to be missed.
Venice Carnival is steeped in history, charm and tradition: its inhabitants and tourists alike have taken a keen interest in it, thanks to its mix of transgression, art, history and culture in one of the most unique cities in the world.
During the ten days of Carnival leading up to Mardi Gras, Venice is a hive of activity and entertainment, from improvised street entertainment to performances put on by the organisers.
A central idea is chosen each year that is taken from various cultural or show-biz themes.
Saint Mark’s Square remains the heart of Carnival, with its huge stage, although other events take place throughout the city, helping to avoid an excessive build-up of people in pedestrianised Venice.
The carnival in Venice was first recorded in 1268.
The subversive nature of the festival is reflected in the many laws created over the centuries in Italy attempting to restrict celebrations and often banning the wearing of masks.
Masks have always been a central feature of the Venetian carnival; traditionally people were allowed to wear them between the festival of Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day, December 26) at the start of the carnival season and midnight of Shrove Tuesday.
As masks were also allowed during Ascension and from October 5 to Christmas, people could spend a large proportion of the year in disguise.
Maskmakers (mascareri) enjoyed a special position in society, with their own laws and their own guild.
In 1797 Venice became part of the Austrian-held Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia when Napoleon signed the Treaty of Campo Formio.
The Austrians took control of the city on January 18, 1798 and it fell into a decline which also effectively brought carnival celebrations to a halt for many years.
It was not until a modern mask shop was founded in the 1970s that a revival of old traditions began.
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