The city of Venice
is an extravaganza of sight and sound. From the Bridge
of Sighs that spans
one of the many canals to the decadent architecture that
hangs across the city's skyline, it is a place where
history truly comes alive for the visitor. Echoes of
past lives can be found everywhere you go, and this is
no more so true than at the Venice Carnival in
the ten days before Lent.
The Carnival has a
tradition that stretches back to Roman times in Europe,
and is more traditionally associated with the final
feast before fasting at Lent. In Venice, the carnival
took on a new meaning at the height of Venetian
oppulence in the 17th and 18th centuries. Then Venice
was a world power. Living was done to excess, and so the
carnival was begun on December 26th, the non-stop
partying, flirting and gambling lasting through until
Mardi Gras.
Carnival dress was
important. Masks and costumes we worn to hide identities
and to protect the reputations of those participating in
the more illicit activities. By the end of the 18th
century the high life in Venice was over. The carnival
fell by the wayside as Venice came under the rule of
Napolean.
Today a
reincarnation of the Venice Carnival occurs every year
in the week leading up to Lent. Events include numerous
masked balls, theatrical performances, concerts and
pageants in a more tempered style of the Venetian glory
days. The 2006 Venice Carnival takes place from the
17th-28th February.
Getting to Venice
The Marco Polo
International Airport is the main gateway into Venice
for international travellers. A connecting flight from
Milan or Rome may be required. Whichever route is chosen
car hire can be booked in advance for pick up from these
airports athttp://www.your-carhire.com
