On this Mardi Gras, celebrating Venice’s Carnival

I’ve just returned from visiting Venice during Carnival season … and since today we’re already celebrating Mardi gras (thanks to a super-early Easter this year), I’d better post about Carnival before the more serious Lenten season begins…

It has been years – decades, really – since I visited Venice during the Carnival season, but I’m so happy I returned.

Although I have been to Venice many times, it is always magical, no matter how many times I visit.

But wandering its street during Carnival is even more fun. In Venice, revelers take Carnival very, very seriously. Many come decked out in full eighteenth century costume, with traditional, colorful masks.

With a city as dramatic as this, the beautiful costumes and eighteenth century elegance only heightens the enjoyment.

There is a big stage on Piazza San Marco, and those with the best costumes are selected to come to the stage. The competition is tough. It was fun to see where the costumed visitors came from: some from nearby towns in the Veneto, but others from Austria, France, Poland, Japan.

These costumed tourists walk around the city, posing for photos and acting the part.

We were staying in nearby Padova, and got a kick out of fellow passengers returning home at day’s end – in full regalia and masks.

None of the fellow passengers batted an eye at the well-dressed fellow commuters. Seems to be par for the course on commuter trains during the season.

And, of course, many costumed patrons take a break in Italy’s oldest café – Caffè Florian, right on Piazza San Marco.

Gawkers stand outside to watch the costumed patrons enjoying the elegant ambience … much as they would have when the café first opened – back in 1720.

All in all, it’s a fun time to come and visit beautiful Venezia. The colorful masks and costumes, the ability to keep the eighteenth century alive along these canals and spectacular palazzi.

I highly recommend that people come to see Venezia during Carnival – such a unique opportunity to enjoy a centuries’ old tradition in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world.