The art of Venetian masks

It's a tradition in Venice that dates back hundreds of years, and extends far beyond Carnival celebrations and the countdown to Lent. Correspondent Seth Doane looks at the history of imaginative masks in Venice, where the only mask mandate is, the more extravagant, the better.
#venice #masks #carnival
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[@spinlok3943]

I can't look at those masks without thinking of Eyes Wide Shut.

[@JovialJester]

That’s because the same company Ca’macana also made the masks for eyes wide shut. If you go into the store currently they have a book showing every mask they made for not only that movie but many more. They also have some papers signed by Tom cruise and such.

[@melissaewell251]

I have a mask from Ca' Macana that I bought on a trip to Venice in 1996. The guidebook recommended this workshop as authentic and the masks of high quality compared to the tourist tat along the grand canal. So wonderful to see this workshop is still in business!

[@steveconn]

You see Eyes Wide Shut those masks will haunt you for life (mom and grandma went to Venice in 61, always wanted to go - maybe before it's underwater!).

[@ShunsuiHitsugaya]

I have a Carnival mask from Venice. It had to be a cat with blue ears since those are two my favorite things. Couldn't resist getting it.

[@rosepalmer73]

I would love to see more about this art and culture that wore them as well as much more in the making of the masks themselves

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I was lucky enough to witness the beginning of the carnival, in 2011, the festival began few day's before the official date, where hotel prices went sky high. People were dressed up everywhere, it was end of January? I remember light snow that night. There was a wine fountain ⛲ in the middle of the square. It was shoulder to shoulder jam packed, I had my passport/ wallet inside my shirt. I tried to stand near the police. The venetian police has the coolest uniforms, they wear gray capes!!!! I managed to get a free small wine from the wine fountain ⛲!!! I have been to Venice 3 times, each visit was different, just before carnival, September, April. Venice is very expensive, so I stayed in hostel, which was convected from an od mills, from the giant window, I could see giant cruise ship passing by, it was scary to see it so close to buildings. If you go, stay on the main land hotel, just take the bus/ train, water taxi to go around. Once on the islands, you can walk all over, crossing so many bridges. To me, it's More magical than Disney.

[@rosepalmer73]

@@___beyondhorizon4664 thank you for such a very good description of the event. And thank you for such good advice too. 💕💐

[@cefcat5733]

I saw a report about the drying up of canals. In the Winter, flooding usually occurs. Now research would really be necessary, to find out the truth. Enjoyed seeing Venice again, in this presentation. Thanks.

[@innerlocus]

We all could have embraced the historical challenge of self-protection during a pandemic, this could have brought us together.

[@rr7firefly]

When I was a college student studying in Rome our student group planned a big party for Halloween. As we were leaving our humble hotel to walk to the event, the people at the front desk told us that it was illegal to wear a mask in Rome. Apparently this made it too easy for those committing crimes to get away without being recognized.

[@StopListenThink]

How fun to wear a time piece mask🎭

[@JonesJr876]

Awesome. I want some masks for debauchery as well.

[@vernaburns1629]

I wish I had a few of 'em!!!!!

[@Mwaeszkx]

Masca is a Latin word that literally means "mask." It is a traditional Latin synonym for "witch."

[@chrisfinch8637]

I wore a mask like that at one point, in front of “My Homegirl”, Jenny McCarthy (because of “The Masked Singer”), and she certainly got a kick out of it, since she knows I had great admiration and support for not just for her role as a panalist, but slso for the show, itself. 🎭🎶❤️

[@daniellozano8057]

Gotta get to Venice before it sinks! Who's coming with? 😁

[@melbaker9495]

It is absolutely worth it, went last May.

[@sandrabarnett1499]

The best carnival is In Brazil.

[@RoolSkool]

Trinidad carnival is the best

[@JustinCase780]

Now people wear a covid mask because they feel better. 🤣

[@keithminor141]

I'm unattractive and extremely self conscious, SO--MASK-PLease???

[@lewstone5430]

Creepy af.