
So how much does a Venetian mask cost? An authentic Mask Carnival Venice will cost approximately a few dozen euros (we find it difficult to think of something authentic at less than 35 / 40 E).
Full Answer
Do you have to wear a mask in Italy?
Most of the obligation to wear a mask has been cancelled throughout Italy. Here are the notable circumstances where masks used to be required but are no longer needed. Where are face masks no longer required in Rome and Italy?
How much does it cost to stay in Venice?
The following list shows the current prices of a few products and services, so that you can get an idea of the average prices in Venice and plan your budget accordingly. Eating out in a restaurant: from € 30 ( US$ 30.40) per person. One-way Vaporetto ticket (valid for 75 minutes): € 7.50 ( US$ 7.60) 48-hour Travel Card: € 30 ( US$ 30.40).
What are the best things to do in Venice?
This ornate palace is one of Venice's top museums. The ticket is good for several nearby museums. Most hotels come included with bread and coffee in the morning. If not, you might have to look around a bit.
Why do people wear masks in Venice?
Where are the carnival masks in Venice?
What is the masquerade in Venice?
What time do Venetian shops close?
Where to go in Venice for afternoon coffee?
What is the mask called that covers the face?
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About this website

Why do people wear masks in Venice?
The custom of wearing of masks in Venice dates back at least that far, not just in moments of revelry, but in daily life. Gamblers used masks to portray a stoic expression, nobility donned masks to walk among common people and the society's moral degenerates used masks to help them commit crimes. Masks became the great equalizer of the citizens of Venice.
Where are the carnival masks in Venice?
Head to the area around Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paulo in Castello, the largest of Venice's six districts, for a wide selection of carnival mask purveyors. The Basilica (basicasantigiovanniepaolo.it), consecrated in 1430, is the burial site of 25 of the doges, or heads of state, of Venice. Works by Italian masters, such as Paolo Veronese and Giovanni Bellini, are on display.
What is the masquerade in Venice?
Venice's well-known masquerade tradition is a part of the Carnival (carnivalofvenice.com) festival, leading up to Lent. The Gran Ballo Mascheranda, at which festival-goers don traditional masks and step back in time to Italy's Baroque era, is one of the central events. In historic Venice, wearing masks during this season allowed all of the city's residents to mingle together regardless of social status.
What time do Venetian shops close?
Plan your shopping for times when Venetian stores are open. Most shops remain closed in the morning on Monday, and many observe a traditional two-hour afternoon break when shops close and workers take a long lunch. The best time to shop is after 3:30 p.m.
Where to go in Venice for afternoon coffee?
Walk south to Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, one of the most recognizable locations in Venice, for an afternoon coffee on the plaza, and then cross the Grand Canal on the Ponte dell'Accademia to visit Mondonovo (mondonovomaschere.it). Artisans produce more than 800 different masks, including ones used in movies by directors Franco Zeffirelli and Stanley Kubrick. A stroll through the neighborhoods of Dorsoduro brings shoppers to Tragicomica (tragicomica.it) in Vecchio, where the proprietor sticks to traditional mask making.
What is the mask called that covers the face?
Traditional masqueraders covered their entire face with a simple white, ceramic mask called a "volto" or "larva." Ladies of the time used a more feminine-shaped, velvet mask called a "moretta," held to their faces by a mouthpiece connected to the inside of the mask. In modern times, the "colombina" mask, which covers only the top half of the face, leaving the mouth and jaw exposed, is most common. This mask is worn by men and women and preserves anonymity without preventing basic functions like eating, drinking and talking.
How much does a Venice Carnival Costume Cost?
Most costumes are designed and purchased months in advance and can cost well into the thousands.
Where to view the Venice Carnival Costumes?
Costumed participants can be found all over the city during the 17 days of carnival. St Mark’s Square is the heart of Carnival so naturally it is a great spot to catch some of the best costumes. There is also a daily costumes parade featuring the best costumed participants who parade and pose for an awestruck audience against the stunning backdrop of St Mark ’s Basilica.
Why did they wear costumes at Venice Carnival?
Venice Carnival reinterpreted ancient Roman and Greek festivals that saw people dress in masks and costumes to hide differences in social class. With a mask and a hooded cape, you couldn’t tell if you were chatting with a noble man or not.
When did people start using Carnival masks in Venice?
The wearing of masks in Venice is a tradition that goes back as far as the 12th century. It was most likely introduced as a means to ease up social tensions created by very rich individuals and families living next door to much poorer people.
How many types of Venice masks are there?
We could say that any hand-made papier-mache mask made in Venice can be called a Venetian Carnival mask.
Traditional Venetian Carnival Masks
These are the oldest masks in Venice and date back to the very origins of Carnival, over 750 years ago!
Commedia dell'Arte Masks
Commedia dell’Arte was an early form of professional theatre that originated in Italy.
Examples of daily costs
The following list shows the current prices of a few products and services, so that you can get an idea of the average prices in Venice and plan your budget accordingly.
Weather
When is the best time of year to visit Venice? Is it cold during carnival? Will I need to bring a coat in spring?
Language
What language is spoken in Venice? Will they understand me in the restaurants if I only speak English?
Why do people wear masks in Venice?
The custom of wearing of masks in Venice dates back at least that far, not just in moments of revelry, but in daily life. Gamblers used masks to portray a stoic expression, nobility donned masks to walk among common people and the society's moral degenerates used masks to help them commit crimes. Masks became the great equalizer of the citizens of Venice.
Where are the carnival masks in Venice?
Head to the area around Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paulo in Castello, the largest of Venice's six districts, for a wide selection of carnival mask purveyors. The Basilica (basicasantigiovanniepaolo.it), consecrated in 1430, is the burial site of 25 of the doges, or heads of state, of Venice. Works by Italian masters, such as Paolo Veronese and Giovanni Bellini, are on display.
What is the masquerade in Venice?
Venice's well-known masquerade tradition is a part of the Carnival (carnivalofvenice.com) festival, leading up to Lent. The Gran Ballo Mascheranda, at which festival-goers don traditional masks and step back in time to Italy's Baroque era, is one of the central events. In historic Venice, wearing masks during this season allowed all of the city's residents to mingle together regardless of social status.
What time do Venetian shops close?
Plan your shopping for times when Venetian stores are open. Most shops remain closed in the morning on Monday, and many observe a traditional two-hour afternoon break when shops close and workers take a long lunch. The best time to shop is after 3:30 p.m.
Where to go in Venice for afternoon coffee?
Walk south to Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, one of the most recognizable locations in Venice, for an afternoon coffee on the plaza, and then cross the Grand Canal on the Ponte dell'Accademia to visit Mondonovo (mondonovomaschere.it). Artisans produce more than 800 different masks, including ones used in movies by directors Franco Zeffirelli and Stanley Kubrick. A stroll through the neighborhoods of Dorsoduro brings shoppers to Tragicomica (tragicomica.it) in Vecchio, where the proprietor sticks to traditional mask making.
What is the mask called that covers the face?
Traditional masqueraders covered their entire face with a simple white, ceramic mask called a "volto" or "larva." Ladies of the time used a more feminine-shaped, velvet mask called a "moretta," held to their faces by a mouthpiece connected to the inside of the mask. In modern times, the "colombina" mask, which covers only the top half of the face, leaving the mouth and jaw exposed, is most common. This mask is worn by men and women and preserves anonymity without preventing basic functions like eating, drinking and talking.
