2012 Carnevale: Venice, Italy
Last month I had the opportunity to experience Carnevale in Venice with a couple new friends. Melissa from New Girl on Post and Annie from Blond Glambition invited me to tag along for the last day of the festival. Despite feeling awful (I was still sick at that point) and looking horrendous, I obliged.
Honestly, I almost didn’t go and then immediately kicked myself for contemplating backing out. How could I not go? Venice is an hour away and people literally spend thousands of dollars to see this in person. As soon as that thought popped into my mind I threw on random clothes (hence looking horrendous) and literally ran out the door. But the running didn’t stop there. I plugged the train station into my GPS and saw that I’d get there five minutes before the train departs, and I still had to buy my ticket! AAH! I somehow channeled my inner Italian and made it there with 10 minutes to spare—take that GPS! The parking lot I usually park in was full, so I had to park about two more blocks away and then high-tale it to the station. I really didn’t think I was going to make it. Once I got there I stood in line (thank goodness, because I needed to catch my breath), bought my ticket, and then made it to the train seconds before it departed. Talk about an adventure!
Judging by the volume of people on the train, I wasn’t the only one who decided to squeeze Carnevale into the very last day.
On the train ride over I thought about
Venice and all the images that typically come to mind. There’s the complex maze of canals, gondoliers in their classic
black and white attire, the labyrinth of tiny passageways, and then,
last but not least, I think of masks.
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I should have bought that red mask. It’s expensive, but I can’t stop thinking about it! |
During
my first trip to Venice years ago I saw masks for sale everywhere I
turned—elaborate, decorative, brilliantly-designed masks. They were way
out of my college-student budget, but I remembered how intricate and
gorgeous they were. The masks not only told a story, but could transform
a person just by slipping it over their face. I’ve seen photos of Carnevale here and there, but to see it in person is breathtaking!
With every turn I saw a new mask and random people—even tourists—dressed up.
I loved this next couple. They looked so comfortable and regal in their costumes. Isn’t her mask gorgeous? It looks like it’s painted on!
A lot of the characters would pose or stay extremely still, almost like they were actors playing a part.
I loved it when they’d almost try to camouflage themselves into their surroundings. Obviously, their costumes would never allow that, but their demeanor almost shouted that they’d rather be left alone than gawked at, which is funny since it’s the very opposite that happens.
These two were my favorite. They were so seductive; I could practically hear the one in the red whisper my name and call for me to come closer. Despite the camera, she (he?) locked onto my eyes and continued to gaze into them the entire time I was there. Masks are so deceiving.
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I took these two photos so you could see the crowds that surrounded the masked figures. It was crazy!
Mom, I took this one for you. She was so pretty all covered in purple 🙂
I really hope we’re still in Italy next year for Carnevale so I can take more photos. Feeling sick combined with standing and walking around all day took a toll on me, but it was definitely worth it.
This was my first time meeting Melissa and Annie, so
hopefully my sick raspy voice and disgusting cough didn’t put them off
too much!
It looked like it was so much fun! I'm glad you decided to go even though you were sick!
Thanks for the purple mask picture! 🙂
This looks like so much fun! Makes me want to get dressed up!
Those masks & costumes are legit! A mask is on my list of things to buy when I make my way to Italy this spring, for sure. Carnevale in Venice seems much more put together than what I've seen here in Germany. I will have to hit it up next year!!
I loved looking at your pictures but I think it might freak me out a little in real life!
WOW! So cool! What a unique experience!
This is way cool – I'm a little jealous.
You got some amazing pictures that day! I'm super impressed. I know you felt sick that day, but thank you so so much for agreeing to meet up with Annie and I. I was worried that I wouldn't get to meet you before I left Italy. Also, we're thinking of taking a trip to Venice/Burano some day in the near future, so if you'd like to go with, or even bring some friends from Aviano, you're more than welcome to. Once I know a date, I'll let you know.
Wow, those are AMAZING photos!!! It looks like an amazing thing to see. Also, I'm super jealous you got to spend such an awesome day hanging out with Melissa and Annie. I miss having Annie here to hang out with – she's awesome. =)
You got some amazing pictures! It was a zoo in Venice, but totally worth it!
That looks AMAZING! I probably would have stayed home…I'm so glad you went! I'd love to see it in person some day!
Oh my gosh! This is the coolest thing ever!
My daughter moved to Milan last August to teach at the American School of Milan. She went to Carnavale for the first time and loved it. I agree, love the red mask, the black one that looked painted on and the purple one. New to your site… Great job.