Venice Carnival

Photo By STRINGER/ITALY/REUTERS

Asked to provide a list of Venetian imagery many people would provide the following: canals, gondolas, men in striped shirts, and masks. The use of masks in Venetian culture date back as far as the 13th century, used in the annual celebration of the Carnevale di Venezia, Carnival of Venice. Masks were used as a means of blurring the line between social classes. Hiding every one's face meant class could not be distinguished.

The Carnival begins during the two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Fat Tuesday, or what the Venetians call Shrove Tuesday. Although during its originating days the Carnival ran as long as December 26th to Shrove Tuesday. 

Photo By STRINGER/ITALY/REUTERS

Origins of the Carnival date back to the 12th century and may be linked to a celebration of Doge Vitale Michieli II's victory over Ulrich II of Treven in 1162. This Ulrich fellow was captured during a rebellion of the Republics and eventually released on the grounds that he provide tribute to Venice each year with the gift of 12 loaves of bread, 12 pigs, and 1 bull. Michieli's victory was eventually celebrated and symbolized by the slaughter of 12 pigs and a bull in St. Mark's Square. What a party. (Source)

Timing of the Carnival also coincides with the beginning of Lent. At this time no eggs, meat, or dairy products were to be eaten, so a great feast was had on Fat Tuesday to use what was left of these foods and bid them farewell. What another great cause for a party.

Photo By STRINGER/ITALY/REUTERS

Over time the Carnival festivities waned and stopped being celebrated. However, in the 1970s Italian officials decided to bring back the celebration for Venetian history and culture. Today Carnival is still marked by the wearing of masks and costumes, as well as entertainment throughout the city, including magicians, acrobats, and parades. 

Photo By STRINGER/ITALY/REUTERS

Sources: Wikipedia, Ultimate Italy, Yahoo! News