The origins of the Carnival are
uncertain, but it is believed to have begun as a celebration of the Republic of
Venice’s victory over Ulrich II of Treven, Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162 and
later combined with pre-lent festivities. The introduction of the masks in the
13th century may have been in protest of various laws or the social
hierarchy of the time through class-anonymous disguises. Eventually revelers
adopted masks representing the characters of the Commedia dell’arte, the Bauta
used for anonymity in the government, and the “plague doctor” mask used during
the Black Death. As Venice’s power began to decline during the 17th
century, the Carnival became a way for the city to display its strength to the
rest of the world and keep up its image. When Austria took control of Venice,
the King outlawed the Carnival as well as mask wearing. The tradition remained
extinct until the 1970s when the Italian government decided to revive the
Carnival in an effort to restore Venice’s rich heritage and identity. Now it is
one of the most internationally recognized events, drawing millions of visitors
every year.
Carnevale all’Arsenale and Volo dell’Angelo
Though originally the Carnival
consisted of games representing Venetian history and victories, today the
festivities include pyrotechnic shows, theatrical performances, acrobatics,
music, dance, pageants, and mask competitions. However, the Carnevale all’Arsenale and Il Volo dell’Angelo retain their
historic roots.
Il
Carnevale all’Arsenale takes place
each night for the two and a half weeks at Venice’s Arsenale or boatyards. An area along the lagoon side is decorated
to look like a Renaissance era Venetian street, with costumed actors and
vendors. A variety of shows – such as flame throwers, live bands, and Cirque du
Soleil-esque acrobatics – rotate throughout the week.
 |
A fireworks, flames, and water show
on the lagoon set to classical music represents Venetian naval power and
victory in the Battle of Lepanto. This battle in 1571 of the
Venetian, Papal, and Spanish fleets against the Turks over the island of Cyprus
was one of many growing conflicts between the Republic of Venice and the
Ottoman Empire. Venetians celebrated their victory as a God-given triumph for
the side of Christianity. Ironically, this battle also marked the decline of
Venice’s naval domination, and eventually it had to cede Cyprus to the Turks in
order to continue trade relations.
Il Volo dell’Angelo, meaning “flight of
the angel,” was originally “flight of the Turk.” In the 16th century,
a Turkish acrobat walked on a tightrope to the top of the bell tower in St.
Mark’s Square and then descended upside down along the balcony of the Palazzo
Ducale (Doge’s Palace), giving flowers and reciting poems. Nowadays the
selected Angel (this year Julia Nasi) descends from the top of the bell tower
with the help of a crane and steel wire, throwing flowers and officially launching
the Carnival.
A relatively new tradition is the
Flight of the Eagle, featuring an Italian athlete who symbolizes strength, courage,
and rebirth. This year, the “Aquila” is Carolina Kostner, the bronze medalist female
figure skater at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.Pictures courtesy of carnevale.venezia.it
No comments:
Post a Comment