Italy’s biggest carnival inspires some of the most lavish costumes and masks. These simple white masks are not supposed to distract from the lavish costumes.
It’s said that the Carnival of Venice was started from a victory of a small war in the year 1162. After that it went in and out of popularity. After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of its efforts.
The re-development of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Since then, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella (the most beautiful mask) which is judged by a panel of international costume and fashion designers.
There are quite a few collectors who focus only on Venetian Carnival Masks. If you want to be tempted, just Google the three key words. You’ll love the way these masks look. Fortunately there are many talented craftspeople in Italy and other places that produce beautiful pieces… and the prices are affordable.
