Today we celebrate Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday” in English and the season of “Carnevale” in Italian. Traditionally, it’s a party with rich food, drink, and costumed parades before the Lenten fast begins on Ash Wednesday.
One of the most memorable sights in Venice and other big Italian cities are the beautiful hand-painted papier-mâché masks worn for the celebration. The masks incorporate beads, gems, feathers and metallic paints to create true works of Italian art. Masks were popular in Venice starting in the 11th century, had their heyday in the 15th century and went out of style by the 18th century. Fortunately, the custom was revived in 1978 to boost tourism and to have an excuse for a party.
If you’re wondering why we wear masks at Carnevale, here are some of the reasons:
1.The mask and matching costume are a festive way to celebrate the season, but also let you remain anonymous while you eat, drink and misbehave.The earliest masks, like the all white Bauta mask, or the ladies ornate Colombina mask only covered the upper part of the face, leaving the mouth uncovered for eating, drinking, or having a discreet conversation.
2.Many of the Carnevale parades and parties give prizes for the best costumes, so there is an incentive to look as beautiful as possible.
3.Some masks have a historical meaning and wearing them keeps their history alive. For example, the Joker or Royal Jester (Buffone) wore a colorful mask and a silly hat with bells to keep the king’s court entertained.
The Beautiful Lady’s Mask was designed to win one of those prizes for the best costume and maybe to catch the eye of someone special.
The Cat Mask was worn especially during the Middle Ages to scare away the mice that brought the Black Plague. Cats were considered the heroes of the day.
The Plague Doctor mask or Doctor of Death (Dottore Della Peste) was another popular character. He couldn’t cure the black plague, but he would stuff cotton and sweet smelling herbs into his long nose to make sure he didn’t catch the plague from you!
There are many other masks available for any character you would like to be during Carnevale. Keep in mind that all authentic Venetian masks are hand-made by the “mascherai”, the professional mask makers who have had their own guild since the 15th century and will certify each piece. Let’s hope they will continue to produce these lovely works of art for many years to come.
Sources:
Submitted by Charlene Pardo