Venice once was dear,
The pleasant place of every party,
The revelation of the earth, the mask of Italy.
~ Lord Byron

History
Venice (Venezia), often called the most romantic city in the world, was one of the great powers during the 18th century. That time marked the zenith of Carnival celebrations. Wealthy nobles from all over Europe headed to the canal-filled city to partake in the continent’s grandest party. With its tradition of masks and costumes, the Venice Carnival was an opportunity to partake in the forbidden freedoms of the time. Carnival, from February 13 to 24, 2009, is an opportunity for travelers to participate in an extraordinary ritual.

Masks and misbehavior
Venetians of various social classes used the festival to mingle with those outside the confines of traditional society. Participants could engage in gambling, sexual favors, or mocking the powerful. Italian mascarei (artisans) created elegant masks that protected the identity of each reveler. It is still a booming industry with thousands of locals and tourists attending the Carnival each year. Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut masks were created by a local craftsman.

Those attending the festivities should dress appropriately. No costume equals no fun. Consider purchasing an abauta, moretta, or larva (volto) mask. The bauta is the most used mask. Locals spend countless euros on the mask, which covers the entire face without a mouth. It is considered ideal for those who want to protect their identity. The moretta is an oval black velvet mask used by women visiting convents. It traditionally included a veil. A third historical mask to consider, the larva, is primarily white. It is worn with tricorn and cape.

events
The Venice Carnival 2009 will be full of parties, musical theatre, gala dinners and concerts. The inauguration of the Carnival will take place at the Luna Hotel Baglioni at 8:00 p.m. (February 13). It begins with a welcome cocktail consisting of Venetian canapés and local drinks. The night also includes dancing and a comedy show. It costs 230.00 Euros per person (VAT and Canova Selection Wine included). To see Carnival’s full schedule of events, check out their website.

During the festivities, be sure to savor many of the local delicacies. Veneto was the birthplace of tiramisu (below). It is a dessert created by dipping savoiardi (ladybugs) in espresso and layering them with mascarpone and zabaglione cheese. Another option is to dip freshly made cookies (bussolai or baicoli) in malvasia wine.

For lunch, consider some local favorites like Sopressa Vincenina slices with Asiago or Grana Padano cheese. Bathe it with the Soave regional wine. Dining options are numerous as the city is packed with some of the best restaurants in northern Italy. Grand Canal Restaurant or Al Covo are the right choices for those looking for the best of the best.