8 photos illustrating that the Carnival of Venice really makes you travel back in time

With a tradition of over eight centuries the Carnival of Venice is one of the most popular events in Italy and one of the biggest carnivals worldwide. It attracts thousands of tourists, not only from Europe but from all over the world, and no wonder why: With astonishing, elegant and colorful costumes, eccentric masks with all kinds of bright ornaments and a wonderful architecture in one of the world´s most romantic cities, the Carnival in Venice shifts you into times passed long ago, where elegance and extravaganza were a synonym for society.

My lovely friend @Vikoluz  is now traveling around Europe and of course the Carnival of Venice was on her itinerary. Thanks for taking these great photographs.

Established in 1296 by the Venetian oligarchy as a public event for the people, the idea of the carnival was to forget social class, gender and religion. A celebration of equality where everybody could be whoever they wanted.

Masks are the main symbol of the Carnival of Venice. With many different ornaments,  bright colors and unique style some of these masks represent the different people in Venice at the Renaissance period.

What started as a way to hide the wearer´s identity, has become over the past centuries not only a tradition, but also a symbol of the Carnival and a reason to feel brought back in time. Bauta, Colombina, Moretta or Volto are some of the names of the different masks, each one from a different period, character, occupation and style.

Nowadays the Carnival of Venice is celebrated forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. The city gets overbooked by visitors from all around the globe and although the city does its best to make you feel like going back in time, because of bad weather conditions and mass tourism this might yet not be the best time to visit Venice.

Still, the Carnival of Venice is a celebration you have to experience at least once in a lifetime and is definitely going to be a memory you will remember forever.

Want to visit Venice during carnival?

Check the dates for the next years and start planning your travels now!

2017 – February 18-28

2018 – February 3-13

2019 – February 23 – March 6

2020 – Febuary 15 – 25

Are you having trouble finding accomodation in Venice or want to book something different but not pricey. Airbnb has excellent options and HERE you can get a coupon of 18€ for your first booking.