By Irina

Victor’s masquerade outfit. Venice Carnival.
We both love Italy and come back here at every opportunity, but it was our first visit to the Venice Carnival. The experience was unique and fascinating simultaneously—you did not only put on a Venetian mask, you tried another life for a while. The carnival costume is like your new persona. You don’t recognize yourself!
Sometimes I have ingenious ideas. Once, when we intended to spend a couple of spring days in Rome, I thought: Why not in Venice and why not in masquerade costumes? A small amount of adventurous spirit inherited from someone from my family forced me to Google “Venice Carnival 2014.” Well, the carnival would take place in the second part of February, and this is the best time for us for the next five years. It’s time to fly!
With great expression, as if I had attended masked balls and mask parties all my life, I described to Victor how delightful this risky venture would be. “Would you like to get your carnival costume right in Rome, a really authentic Italian historical costume?” I was ready for a long siege, but Victor agreed surprisingly easily. Yahoo! We are going to Venice for Carnival!
A male Venetian carnival costume was chosen on the Italian site www.catiamancini.it. We contacted the owner, informed her where and when we would stay in Rome, and returning from a walk we found a package in our room. Fitting was organized without delay. If it is possible to fall more in love than before, it happened to me, because not every man will agree to go to a carnival, much less walk around Venice without trousers.
As it turned out later, the costume was chosen perfectly, and Victor was the only representative of Renaissance Florentine nobility at the 2014 Venetian Carnival. There were many aristocrats of the 18th-19th century, but only one Florentine.
Why did we buy only one costume? You see, even in web-stores, the price of women’s Venetian Carnival costumes is comparable to the cost of the whole trip to Venice. One thousand Euros for a beautiful dress—and that’s a minimum. That’s why we decided to make the second costume at home. As for me, I don’t even know how to hold a needle, but my mom has really magical hands.
I can’t say that she was very happy about our idea, because when you are a little bit over 60 your eyes and hands are not the same as they used to be many years ago. Moreover, “this Carnival of Venice of yours is such folly.” However, we have seen many elderly couple which were very happy.
The seven months before the Venice Carnival passed rapidly. It seemed, we had time only to buy a couple of wigs and inconceivably large-sized jewelry, fake of course with the exception of one ring.
So, generally speaking, I suggest that you not stay on the sidelines. Just once, hide behind a Venetian mask and have fun. Maybe our experience of visiting the Venice Carnival will be useful to you.

Our carnival masks. Palazzo Tiepolo Passi. Venice Carnival.
There is no problem in getting from Marco Polo Airport to the center of Venice: there are at least three ways, one for every budget. We booked a water taxi, because the transfer offered by our hotel cost three times as much. It is also comfortable and much cheaper to get to the center by water buses, but during Carnival they are crammed so full that they start to resemble the sinking Titanic. So, we preferred the 85 Euro comfort of a water taxi instead of an inexpensive alternative. Our cutter flew across the Venetian Lagoon, and 20 minutes later we moored at the private dock of the Colombina Hotel.

On the way to Venice from airport Marco Polo

The Grand Canal of Venice
We have no complaints about the Colombina Hotel. It is clean, gracefully cozy, and located a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, while the famous Bridge of Sighs is just a hundred meters to the left. If you are going to walk through the town in a long medieval dress, such nearness to the center may be important. You will realize it crossing the first bridge, still clumsily stepping on the hem of your dress.
If you have to be somewhere on time and you live within five minutes’ walk of this place, remember that in reality your route can take slightly more time if you are in a carnival costume. “May I take a picture?” stops you at every step. To refuse is rude. Take your most picturesque pose, and the number of “photo hunters” will increase immediately.

Irina in the masquerade outfit. Venice Carnival.
On a certain Sunday in February, as expected, an angel appears in the Venetian sky. Noon. Bells are jingling. Ropes are taut between lofty St. Mark’s Campanile and the Gran Teatro stage. “The angel” appears out of the blue to bless the doge who proclaims the Venetian Carnival open. In 2014, Julia Nasi acted as an angel.
I doubt if I would like to be in her shoes. Of course, everything is foreseen for safety, but it is terrifying and cold there on the top. It is rumored that after getting on the top of St. Mark’s Campanile not all beauties are ready for immediate flight, and sometimes it takes up to ten minutes before “an angel” is brave enough to leave the tower. Until 2001, this role was given to a manikin, but in recent years this is the mission of the very first beauties of Venice. By the way, the bell tower is open for visitors, so you have an opportunity to check whether you’d like to make such a flight.

Julia Nasi acted as an angel of Venetian Carnival.
The doge is blessed, the Venetian Carnival is open. For the next ten days, Piazza San Marco will be littered with confetti, waiters in white tuxedos will serve guests glasses of prosecco, and the most popular dessert in town will be frittelle with cream zabaglione. Picturesque carabinieri will protect your rest. Athletic gondoliers will glide through the winding channels with such grace as if there is no easier thing in the whole world than to steer a gondola. Ladies’ open necklines and bare shoulders in February, wigs, and laces: where else can you see this?
One day we escaped from the tourist bustle to the Dorsoduro and heard behind us, “Look, masks. Take a photo! They are now very rarely seen.” Unfortunately I have to admit the truth of these words because now even the area around Piazza San Marco can’t boast of a variety of carnival costumes.
Preparation for a trip to the carnival, acquisition of Venetian carnival masks and carnival costumes is a question of considerable money. However, a simple costume is easy to make up on the spot: cloaks, cocked hats, and fans are sold everywhere in Venice. The simplest mask costs eight Euros, for 30 Euros you can buy a very unusual one, but a luxurious historical costume will cost 2,000 Euros, or may be rented for 150-200 Euros per day. But, you know, you will bring home unbelievable impressions and photos after this trip, and the best reward is to hear from an elderly Italian lady on an old Venetian patio that you look so beautiful and natural in your attire.
We frankly enjoyed our unusual appearance, played the fool, and arranged photo shoots, but you can go further. After all, most carnival events—masquerade balls, concerts of ancient music, dinner by candlelight in the palazzo, learning the minuet, even hot chocolate in the famous Caffe Florian—have a dress code, so your costume is your admission.

Excuse me, madam, what time is it?

Let me introduce myself. Francesco Luciano Lorenzo di Piero…

Oh, madam, you broke my heart.
We visited two such events, though now we realize we could have done without them. Well, at least, it is the experience. The cost of tickets is very high, though you must keep in mind that with this money you help to rescue the sinking Venice. Dinner at the Grand Theatre on Piazza San Marco was very modest; nothing interesting can be seen from the lodge. Hot chocolate in Palazzo Tiepolo Passi is just wasted money (100 Euro for two). It’s better to visit Palazzo Ca’ Rezzonico and for much lower price to see how aristocrats lived in Venice in the eighteenth century.
I suggest you have breakfast a bit earlier to be on the streets at eight o’clock in the morning. It is the best time to catch masks hurrying to the Piazza San Marco, and take their pictures with minimal competition. A lot of people visit Venice every year. For them to miss the carnival is a real trauma. They love Venice and themselves in this luxuriant decor. For them carnival is something like an incurable addiction. Masks start their day at seven o’clock. They do not talk, do not allow anyone to touch them, but freeze at the first hint of a raised lens.
At the same time, if you want peace and quiet, it’s very easy to find them even in the Venice Carnival. As for us, we went to the Dorsoduro district to admire the paintings of Veronese, Bellini, and Tiziano Vecellio, but in this case, your carnival outfits must stay behind and wait for you in the wardrobe.
The day before the end of the Venice Carnival was marked by “acqua alta” (tide). At 10 a.m., a very melodic siren sounded in the city. Nothing like the roar that sounds in case of danger. Passing by, an Italian lady said us, “Wait for the acqua alta.” Just in case, we went back to the hotel, got some explanations at the reception desk, as well as two pairs of special boots. What is interesting: nobody wants to turn Venice in a new Atlantida, but tourists, like children, enjoy the acqua alta! We frolicked with delight in our special boots, and then in the most excellent mood went to dinner and basked with a divine Italian wine in a trattoria.

Acqua alta. St. Mark’s Square. Venice.

Water in the shops on the Piazza San Marco. Venice, Italy.

Not everyone managed to get boots
The carnival flew by as if it were only one day long. We returned from a fairy tale, from a theater where we were on stage and everyone was on stage. Admire once again the most important of its heroes—the Carnival outfits. They mysteriously electrify the local air making it come alive. Do not even expect that the day after the closing of the Venetian Carnival you will find even one!
More about Italy:
Sinking Venice: At the Dying Beauty’s Bedside
Decorated Ceilings of Vatican Museums or Interview with God
Are You 50+ and an Actor at Heart? Visit the Venetian Carnival!
April 15, 2014 at 9:48 am
What a lot of fun! You both look very handsome in your carnival costumes. I was shocked at the high tide coming into the shops!
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April 15, 2014 at 11:21 am
Thank you, Anneli.
Seems, everyone is handsome and happy during the Venetian Carnival. Venice itself can make happy anyone.
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April 15, 2014 at 9:58 am
I LOVE this post. Carnival in Venice is on my Life List. Your costumes are incredible; everything is incredible! Thank you for taking us along – God, I love Italy!
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April 15, 2014 at 11:25 am
We feel the same: my god, how we love Italy! And Firenze, and Rome… 🙂
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April 15, 2014 at 11:33 am
I hope to return one day. I DID throw my coins in that fountain…..so with any luck I’ll be back!
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April 15, 2014 at 11:42 am
I am sure you will.
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April 15, 2014 at 10:38 am
Victor – Che bello! No, in fact you both looked incredible. This to me is one of a life time thing to do and despite my many many trips to Venice over the …….. 🙂 Years, I never managed the carnivale. What beautiful memories you have now. Carina
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April 15, 2014 at 11:29 am
Carina. You must correct this omission. It is possible that we live only once.
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April 15, 2014 at 11:31 am
I love Venice!! Great pic!
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April 15, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Thank you.
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April 15, 2014 at 1:44 pm
🙂
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April 15, 2014 at 11:33 am
I’m so glad you took the plunge! Fantastic memories, and so much fun – it must indeed have been like taking to the stage, being part of the play … just wonderful. 🙂
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April 15, 2014 at 11:47 am
All the world is a stage, and all the men and women are merely players…
You feel this especially sharp in Venice during the Carnival.
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April 15, 2014 at 6:16 pm
You gave a wonderful insight into the carnival time experience. I’d always been a bit leary about it for us outsiders, but I can see that by embracing it fully you became part of the tradition and though you may not have been able to participate in the really elegant parties of the locals, you had a wonderful time. 🙂
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April 15, 2014 at 10:19 pm
Thank you very much.
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April 15, 2014 at 11:46 am
wow! what an effort! looks amazing! love Victor’s shoes.
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April 15, 2014 at 11:51 am
Thank you.
Irina will be very proud. She made these buckle with ribbons and “pearls.”
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April 15, 2014 at 5:15 pm
amazing! love em!
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April 15, 2014 at 12:21 pm
I like those outfits
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April 15, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Thank you.
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April 15, 2014 at 2:19 pm
Superb photos as always. Love the outfits
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April 15, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Thanks a lot.
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April 15, 2014 at 6:00 pm
Oh my goodness I love this post. The costumes are fantastic! You look marvelous and happy.
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April 15, 2014 at 10:22 pm
Thank you, Sue. Maybe one day you and your husband will repeat our experiment.
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April 25, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Wow! You both look amazing and everybody looks fabulous. It must have been so much fun to be there and to be a part of the celebration. ‘Love it. Are you going again?
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April 25, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Maybe next year.
What image would you choose?
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April 25, 2014 at 4:19 pm
Sounds great. Definately some aristocratic family. My husband is shy but might be convinced if there were some artistic events to attend!
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April 26, 2014 at 12:18 am
It would be fun.
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April 30, 2014 at 8:06 am
Great Post! Those are some ridiculously-elaborate outfits. I had no idea.
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May 3, 2014 at 1:41 pm
This is a carnival, Brad. It must be funny.
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May 14, 2014 at 4:59 pm
Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having
a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs
and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
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May 14, 2014 at 10:40 pm
I am on WordPress.
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May 18, 2014 at 4:33 pm
So glad to hear that you dressed up and joined in the fun. It’s definitely the best way to experience Carnevale! Since we live just a short distance from Venice, we go all dressed up every year.
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May 18, 2014 at 8:56 pm
You are so lucky. More lucky can be only people living in Venice. 🙂
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May 26, 2014 at 6:20 am
Thank you for taking the time to share with the rest of us hungry for Venice, you just made me hungrier! Lovely costumes and carnival spirit. I like costumes and dressing up for parties even work Venice must be great fun!
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May 26, 2014 at 7:00 am
Thank you very much, Suzanne. Venice is unique and very cozy city in spite of its expensiveness.
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June 27, 2014 at 9:49 am
Quite fun. One of the things that struck me most about our visit to Venice a couple of years ago was all of the beautiful and elaborate masks in the store windows. Good for you that you took on the costume challenge. –Curt
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June 27, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Thank you, Curt. First time in our lives, my wife and I was in the theatre not in the hall, but on the scene.
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June 27, 2014 at 6:42 pm
It’s like wearing a costume at Burning Man: the difference between seeing a play and acting in one.
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June 27, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Exactly.
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October 28, 2014 at 7:55 am
Here I am six months later reading your post, enjoying it immensely and see my own comment at the bottom, not even remembering I had read it before, although still fresh! I have been researching the Venice Carnival on the internet because I am going this year! I hope to see you Victor and your lovely wife there! If you wear the same costumes I should recognize you.
I am just in the planning stages but will probably wear a big tricorn hat that I will make with a patterned upholstery fabric (much simpler than I thought, haven’t seen any hats with a pattern) with my good black short coat that has pretty bell sleeves and maybe a long skirt. I’ll be a kind of boho character with an 18th century flair. I deliriously happy I am going, even more so after reading your post, AGAIN! Feel free to e-mail me and let me know if you are going or I will just see you there! I’m off to go buy that patterned fabric!
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October 28, 2014 at 10:08 pm
What a brilliant idea. I am very glad for you. If you like theater, you will like a carnival.
We will not be on the Venetian carnival next year, but we plan to visit it again in 2016 or 2017.
There was something wrong with your back links. What is the address of your blog?
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October 29, 2014 at 10:42 am
arteffecting.blogspot.com, unfortunately many of the images are not recognizable (more compression on extra large Blotter images?) that is my main complaint about Blogger that is why I will be posting (at some point!) on WP. I also have a nice art gallery, suzanne-powers.artistwebsites.com
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October 29, 2014 at 12:53 pm
WordPress is a better than Blogspot.
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January 9, 2015 at 2:51 am
I went to carnival for the first time this year – – – but we did not dress up……those costumes look so fun! Bellissimi!
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January 9, 2015 at 3:00 pm
It was our first carnival, but we are intended to repeat it in the next year.
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February 13, 2015 at 10:06 am
My Venetian Mask is probably one of my post prized possessions from traveling! I love these photos. Cheers Mate! Check me out @ TRVL101.com
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February 13, 2015 at 12:21 pm
I have the whole costume after carnival.
Thank you, Alexander.
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June 19, 2017 at 8:18 am
Carnival in Venice is on my bucket list. Fantastic post and photos! 🙂
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June 19, 2017 at 8:39 am
Vielen Dank, Frau.
Venice is one of my favorite cities, and that carnival was very bright event for us (and for our wallets).
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June 19, 2017 at 8:40 am
Yes, I can understand! I was in Venice years ago and I can only imagine the cost at carnival… 🙂
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October 27, 2017 at 8:02 am
amazing pictures and the setting.. well, it’s Venice, so I can’t really say more!
Did you know there’s a Venice costume parade in Bruges, Belgium as well? Every January, and it’s their 3rd year. If you’re interested: https://upsidedowntravels.com/2017/10/24/spoiler-alert-this-is-not-venice/
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October 27, 2017 at 9:22 am
Thank you.
Yes, we know and think about it.
My wife and I have been to Bruges two times, but without our carnival outfits.
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December 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm
Thank you so much for the insights. Are there balls or concerts that you would recommend? They seem very expensive from what I have seen, but at the same time I want to have the full carnival experience. Any ways to have a great time on budget?
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December 25, 2017 at 11:24 pm
The program is different each year, therefore find the program of this year and choose. But note: words “Venice” and “on budget” are incompatible, especially in time of the carnival.
Tyank you for visiting.
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