Launched February 21, 2023: 'The Masks of VENICE' by award winning ZUMA photographer Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press: Dating back to the 12 century, the Venice Carnival is one of the oldest and most famous carnival celebrations in the world. Carnival was a Catholic tradition, a period of feasting, excess and extravagant celebration before the start of Lent, which is 40 days of fasting and sacrifice in the lead up to Easter. Every year 3 million people descend upon this city of canals to soak up the iconic scenery, admire the extravagant costumes and masks, and be part of an electric atmosphere. Today, Venice's Carnival is a blend of 18th-century nostalgia and 21st-century consumerism. Though the festival has taken on many shapes throughout its long history, there's still something enchanting about a floating city filled with people behind masks. Welcome to 'The Masks of VENICE'
© zReportage.com Story of the Week #877: Launched February 21, 2023: 'The Masks of VENICE' by award winning ZUMA photographer Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press: Dating back to the 12 century, the Venice Carnival is one of the oldest and most famous carnival celebrations in the world. Carnival was a Catholic tradition, a period of feasting, excess and extravagant celebration before the start of Lent, which is 40 days of fasting and sacrifice in the lead up to Easter. Every year 3 million people descend upon this city of canals to soak up the iconic scenery, admire the extravagant costumes and masks, and be part of an electric atmosphere. Today, Venice's Carnival is a blend of 18th-century nostalgia and 21st-century consumerism. Though the festival has taken on many shapes throughout its long history, there's still something enchanting about a floating city filled with people behind masks. Welcome to 'The Masks of VENICE'
Costumed participant with a parasol during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival on the waterfront promenade. In medieval Catholic Europe, Carnival became a time for partying, excess, and debauchery before the restrictions of Lent.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival along the canals. The Venetian Carnival was a time to disregard societal restrictions placed upon class and gender, and people would often wear masks and costumes to disguise their identities.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. As the Republic of Venice grew into a major European power in the 15th century, Carnival became a time for the Republic to show off its wealth to the rest of Europe.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant with a bird during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. For two and a half weeks, masquerade balls, street shows, mask and costume competitions, and parades transpire almost daily in the city.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Colorful costumed participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival on the waterfront promenade. the whimsical, magical world of Venice's Carnival has attracted masked revelers for centuries.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Wearing black capes, costumed participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. The origins of the Venetian Carnival are murky. Legend has it that the first Carnival was held in 1162 following the Republic of Venice's victory over Aquileia, a neighboring coastal town to the north.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival along the canals. In Venice, Carnival begins by boat, as thousands of people gather, lining the banks of the Grand Canal.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. In medieval Catholic Europe, Carnival became a time for partying, excess, and debauchery before the restrictions of Lent.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival on the waterfront promenade. In Venice, Carnival begins by boat, as thousands of people gather, lining the banks of the Grand Canal.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival on the waterfront promenade. During the 18th century, many revelers wore masks along with a brimmed hat and lace shawl, known as a 'bautta.'
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. Every Carnival, millions of people pass through Piazza San Marco. Many are decked out in elaborate, 18th-century costumes and masks.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Wearing white masks and holding fans participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. The whimsical, magical world of Venice’s Carnival, which has attracted masked revelers for centuries.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. During the 18th century, many revelers wore masks along with a brimmed hat and lace shawl, known as a 'bautta.'
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
A couple in costume during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. The whimsical, magical world of Venice's Carnival, which has attracted masked revelers for centuries.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participants during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival stand near the canals. The Venetian Carnival was a time to disregard societal restrictions placed upon class and gender, and people would often wear masks and costumes to disguise their identities.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
With blonde curls and a parasol a participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. Throughout Carnival, costumed revelers pass through Piazza San Marco almost constantly in masquerade parades.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant holds a rose with a weeping mask, during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival. The whimsical, magical world of Venice's Carnival, which has attracted masked revelers for centuries.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
Costumed participant during the 'Masks of Venice' Carnival in San Marco Square. Today, Venice's Carnival is a blend of 18th-century nostalgia and 21st-century consumerism.
© Luigi Berengo/LPS via ZUMA Press Wire
