fact about the Venetian carnival

The Venetian Carnival is officially recognized as one of the oldest, it was first celebrated in 1094. In the Middle Ages, during the carnival, the rules of everyday life did not operate: and the rich and the poor could do whatever they wanted. Enough hid under masks, any commoner could get the attention of the princess, and patricians could easily seduce the seamstress, which in his usual life did not allow him the rules of decency. Under the laws of the Venetian Republic, masks were forbidden to enter the church at night and during the plague epidemics. The masks were worn in various cereal areas - gaming and public buildings. Often, under them hiding for the implementation of all sorts of tricks. In August 1608, a decree was issued that forbade the wearing of masks during a carnival. If they were caught offenders, then men were sentenced to 2 years in prison and fines, while women were publicly seated on San Marco Square with a further 4-year banishment from the Venetian Republic.

After the conquest of Italy by France, the carnival was banned, this Napoleon wanted to emphasize the lost independence of Italy. The tradition of the carnival was revived only in 1979 - and this event immediately began to attract the crowds of tourists to the city.

Annually the carnival opens a festive regatta - Venetian canals run by boats with passengers in suits and masks. The city conducts master classes where you can try yourself in building gondolas or design carnival masks.

During the carnival there are balls in Venice, in the streets in the morning and until late at night there are troubadours, magicians and orchestras. The holiday is always open on San Marco Square. Interestingly, the couturier Pierre Cardin wrote the official Anthem of the Venetian Carnival. Annually, on the last day of the carnival, the ruler of the most beautiful mask is chosen; also a lot of attention of tourists is always attracted by the Parade of Mary - the course of twelve Venetian in memory of the rescue girls kidnapped by pirates.

In general, it is simply not possible to miss the boredom of a carnival; everyone here will find an entertainment to the soul. Book tickets and the hotel is better in advance, prices before the holiday significantly grow. The prices for accommodation in Venice are quite high, even the cheapest hostel will cost at least 45 euros per night.