Venetian masks, traditions, and curiosities of the Carnival in Venice

Venetian masks are the most famous masks in the world. They have a rich and very interesting history.

The history of Venetian masks dates back to the twelfth century. What is most intriguing, however, is that no one can fully explain the origin of this phenomenon.

Wandering through the canals of Venice, we managed to gather a few stories, almost legends, explaining how the city built on water becomes filled with masked figures at the beginning of the new year.

The history of Venetian masks

A quite probable story suggests that when the Venetians conquered Constantinople, they encountered Muslim culture for the first time, where women covered their faces. Since many exotic customs were imported to Venice, this one was also adopted by Venetian women, who began to hide their faces behind elaborate masks on various occasions, whether for solemn or less holy purposes.

Another tale tells of a city filled with social and class divisions during that period. Riots and unrest among the poor and the minor nobility were common occurrences. It is challenging to live when you lack everything, while others around you indulge in excessive luxury.

Where did the idea for Venetian masks come from?

It is said that the city authorities declared the period preceding Lent as a time when residents could hide their status and wealth behind masks and disguises. This was done so that, regardless of their background, people could mingle without fear of judgment.

Strangely, this idea appealed not only to the impoverished Venetians. Wealthy citizens started dressing in modest attire, obscuring their faces with ordinary leather masks, and appearing in neighbourhoods where it was not customary for them to walk daily.

There are many other stories, much less probable, so I will skip them. Besides, regardless of which one is true, the fact remains that over time, the residents of Venice became obsessed with concealing their identities.

More and more beautiful masks

Over time, the masks evolved. Initially, uninteresting leather or wooden monstrosities that were more frightening than attractive were replaced by delicate, intricate creations made of exquisite porcelain, silver, and gold. Their production became a true art, passed down through generations within families.

Even on the nearby island of Murano, renowned for its excellent glass production, beautiful and delicate face curtains made from molded glass mass began to emerge. The official carnival period became so popular among the residents that it was extended. Eventually, for most of the year, people roamed the city in masks and elaborate costumes. Everyone could be someone and no one simultaneously. The boundaries of wealth, origin, and upbringing blurred.

Wealthy ladies flirted and passionately engaged in romances, hiding their faces behind masks with the innocent expression of a surprised angel. Similarly, the rich nobility mingled with the common folk, and vice versa. Restraints were cast aside, and revelry and debauchery knew no bounds.

In the 15th century, Venice was dubbed the “sewer of Europe” and the church disapprovingly commented on the debauchery happening in its streets. Of course, this didn’t stop the sanctimonious church hierarchs from visiting Venice, donning masks, and getting lost in the unrecognizable crowds.

However, at some point, a line was perhaps crossed, as the city authorities limited, by legal decree, the period during which masks could be worn. Eventually, it was shortened to a few weeks, accompanied by many other prohibitions. For instance, it was forbidden to enter churches, casinos, and restaurants in disguise.

Mask laws and customs in Venice

An interesting decree was enacted at the beginning of the 16th century, proclaiming, under severe penalty, that men were not allowed to dress as women and visit female convents. It’s difficult to imagine what must have been happening within the monastery walls for such a law to come into existence.

Over time, the wearing of costumes and masks that could conceal the gender of the wearer was also prohibited. Even court chronicles mention a law that forbade wearing a cloak over a naked body of any gender. It was not allowed to carry weapons or other dangerous items under the costume. One can speculate that a city full of masked people was an ideal scene for all kinds of criminals.

Breaking municipal decrees and laws carried severe penalties for offenders, regardless of their wealth and origin. If a man was caught breaking the law, he faced 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of several hundred lire, nearly a year’s salary.

Women had it even worse, as, in addition to imprisonment and a fine, they could be subjected to public ridicule. A sinful maiden would be chained in the middle of St. Mark’s Square, and passer-by could mock her character freely. Of course, most women secretly rejoiced that it wasn’t them caught this time.

When Napoleon conquered the city at the end of the eighteenth century, he completely banned the carnival and wearing masks. The tradition only returned in 1979.

Today, a few days before Lent, the city revives its ancient traditions. Last year, we had the pleasure of participating in this extraordinary event, which we will soon share more about. For now, let’s focus on the masks that can be seen while strolling along the Venetian canals.

Commedia dell arte street theater in Venice

Today, the popular masks found in stalls and souvenir shops are primarily theatrical masks originating from the popular theatre and street pantomime of the 16th century known as Commedia dell’arte.

Commedia dell’arte is a type of comedy drawing ideas from ancient plays, with masks also tracing their roots to the era of ancient Greek theatres.

In Commedia dell’arte, the same characters typically appear, performing scenes only superficially described in the script. The performances are filled with misunderstandings and the inventiveness of the actors, who often parody the latest events in the world. Most people have heard of Brighella and the maid Columbina, who is ardently loved by the clever and sometimes insufferable Arlecchino.

In addition to them, characters like Pantalone and Dottore, as well as the Captain and many other less popular figures, grace the stage. The masks they wear are commonly encountered on the streets of Venice.

Popular Venetian masks

• Colombina – This mask is richly decorated with gold, silver, and frequently feathers. It covers only the upper part of the face, including the nose. Interestingly, such a small detail is enough to make the person hidden behind the mask practically unrecognizable.
• Arlecchino – A black and rather simple mask representing a simpleton or a servant. Those wearing this mask typically don a costume made of colourful triangles, typical for this character in Commedia dell’arte theatre. The mask covers the forehead, eyes, and nose, and regularly the cheeks as well.
• Pantalone – This is one of the comedic masks portraying an old man, timid, self-satisfied, and always ready to show off. It is a character that elicits malicious laughter and mockery. The mask is often of a dark colour with a long, prominent nose.
• Dottore, also known as Doctor Plague – This is a mask representing a doctor or a medic. During times when frequent outbreaks of diseases frequently decimated entire cities, it was believed that the smell of corpses and decay contributed to the spread of the disease. To protect themselves from infection, doctors wore masks with long noses, in which they stuffed strongly scented herbs.

Certainly, it probably didn’t help much, but people in those horrifying masks became a symbol of the Black Death, or the plague, which in certain regions of Europe killed up to 80% of the population. To complete the look, a black cloak and a triangular hat are worn with the mask. Glasses are typically added to the mask. In agreement with my partner, we concluded that this eerie mask is more fitting for Halloween than for carnival.

Other Venetian masks

• Bautta – This is a square mask covering the entire face. It doesn’t have an opening for the mouth, but the lower part is tilted, allowing you to comfortably take a sip without the need to reveal your face.
• Volto – A traditional, white mask depicting an expressionless face. For me, the most beautiful, and if I had to choose one from those mentioned, I would wear the Volto mask. It seems to represent a ghost or an angel. It is worn with a black cloak and an equally black hat with feathers.
• Gnaga – A very interesting mask once worn by men wanting to impersonate women. Popular among homosexuals, this cat-shaped mask has protruding ears. It is also called the Ambiguous Kitty, which gives food for thought, doesn’t it?
• Moretta – This is a closely fitting mask, coated with satin or velvet. What sets it apart from others is that it adheres to the face thanks to a button clenched between the teeth. The person wearing it cannot speak, which often is a giant plus.

There are, of course, many more mask designs, and it is impossible to list them all.

Venetian masks nowadays

Venice is a place where masks can be bought literally everywhere. Even when shopping in the few supermarkets, small, inexpensive masks are frequently included with selected products. On street stalls, products from China dominate. These are plastic and cheap imitations, unworthy of our attention. In souvenir shops, beautifully decorated masks made of plaster, papier-mâché, or glass can be found, ranging in price from several tens of euros and upwards.

However, the most fascinating wonders await in workshops with centuries-old traditions. It is here that masters create true works of art. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in such workshops, so you’ll have to take my word that everything is done manually, starting from shaping the mask, which is then adorned. Workshop artisans attach feathers, ornaments, and even coat them with hot, liquid gold or silver.

The most expensive mask we saw cost well over 2,000 euros, and we heard that it is possible to order a mask based on the face of a chosen person. The cost of such a masterpiece is truly in the high thousands.

Generational workshops producing masks using ancient methods

Workshops in Venice are run by generations of masters. We saw teenagers with passion, decorating masks under the supervision of the oldest family members. If you plan to spend some money on a souvenir in the form of such a facial ornament, I suggest buying it precisely in a place where tradition and experience give masks their authentic character.

During the carnival in Venice, the most beautiful costume is chosen. Participants take the entire festivity very seriously. Every day around the city, near St. Mark’s Square, people stroll in fantastic costumes. These clothes are not just any; they are meticulous replicas of old parade costumes, and the masks worn by those participating in the competition are among the most expensive and traditional.

The carnival in Venice is an unforgettable adventure, so if you can, don a mask and embark on a journey through the canal-filled city.

Curiosities and facts related to masks, not only Venetian ones

• The oldest masks were found in what is now Israel. They are over 9,000 years old.
• People used masks almost 4,000 years before the invention of writing.
• Initially, masks had purely religious symbolism and were used during rituals and funerals.
• The first theatrical masks appeared in Greece around the 6th century BCE. They were made of linen, bark, or wood.
• Ceremonial masks appeared almost simultaneously in various parts of the world.
• Initially, Roman legions wore metal versions of Greek theatre masks for protection.
• In Africa, masks served and continue to serve a ceremonial function. They aid in communication with spirits and protect against demons and danger.

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