Carnevale di Venezia

February 28, 2011

We just arrived back from a widely, entertaining weekend in Venice.  This weekend was the first weekend of Carnival in Venice (Carnevale di Venezia).  Carnevale means “farewell to meat” which began centuries ago as a wild two-month party leading up to Lent.  Historically Carnival started as a time of celebration and expression throughout the classes, as wearing masks hid any form of identity between social classes.  

It was estimated that on Saturday 55,000 people arrived in Venice for Carnival.    Costumes and masks of all kinds were everywhere.  

When we arrived in Venice Friday afternoon we did a walking tour down to St. Mark’s Square.  This was followed by a tour of the Doge’s Palace, which was the seat of the Venetian government and home of its ruling duke, or doge.  This palace was the most powerful half-acre in Europe for 400 years.  It was built to show off the power and wealth of the Republic.  On an exciting note Terry Thomson arrived to spend the next five weeks in Italy with Christine.  

On Saturday several tours were planned for the students.  I took in a walking tour which took us through many cathedrals, the Jewish Ghetto where in the 15th century the Jewish people were restricted to a special undesirable neighbourhood. During this morning walking tour the crowds were starting to form.  After the tour, George, Christine, Terry, Barb (Christine’s sister) and I went to a small restaurant for homemade thin crust pizza and of course, wine.  In the afternoon I went to a mask factory to see how masks are made.  By late afternoon the crowds were multiplying.  When walking, or I should say shuffling, through the narrow streets everyone was shoulder to shoulder three across, two lines one way, one line going the other way.  Late afternoon George and I went down to St. Mark’s Square just watching and taking pictures of people, particuarly those in costume.  Next Friday evening the school has their Venetian Ball where one is to dress the part. I can’t show you our masks until next week, so stay tuned, you’re in for a treat!   After dinner Saturday night the teachers retreated to the hotel bar overlooking the canal and comparing our masks for the Ball.  

The crowds

Crossing the Rialto Bridge

The children taking part in Carnival

Had to have some Scottish tradition at Carnival

Lunch time

Sunday we left early in the morning to head back with a stop in Verona.  We saw the Roman arena and ‘Juliet’s balcony’  which is not really her balcony.  

As for all my bragging of great weather it came to an end.  While in Verona on Sunday, we had wet snow flurries and rain and very cool temperatures.  Hopefully this is only temporary.

While we were away Toby stayed with a lovely Italian family who loves dogs and has a garden for him to play in.  Hopefully he is able to understand Italian.


Until next week....