Of masks and celebrations
The Malta Carnival this year is being held between next Friday and Shrove Tuesday on March 8, but Carnival festivities have been going on in other countries for quite some time, perhaps in response to the lame excuse that people should celebrate, dance...
The Malta Carnival this year is being held between next Friday and Shrove Tuesday on March 8, but Carnival festivities have been going on in other countries for quite some time, perhaps in response to the lame excuse that people should celebrate, dance and eat to their hearts’ content before the 40-day period of Lent and fasting starts on Ash Wednesday.
In fact, carnival celebrations have already taken place or are still ongoing in various countries such as Germany , France, Viareggio (in Italy) and in Venice.
The Venice Carnival with its unique haunting touch opened on Saturday February 19 with a party that was held in St Mark’s Square which will also host the finale as the festivities draw to an end on Tuesday.
Masks and 18th-century costumes are common features along the Gran Canal, evoking both a feeling of curiosity and eeriness as protagonists of different social classes mix and match and enjoy themselves in anonymity, reminiscent of Stanley Kubrik’s characters in Eyes Wide Shut.
The masks are usually made of papier-mâché or leather but in any case they are a symbol of Italian craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, this exclusive Carnival serves as a tourist magnet and if this year’s figures are a reflection a of Carnivals past some one million tourists should descend on Venice in the coming days as revellers seek music and dance in St Mark Square which is hosting masquerade balls, concerts, plays and glittering parades against its watery but colourful backdrop.
The city becomes an open theatre as the participants parade in grotesque costumes in a Danse Macabre ritual which at times creates a nightmarish aura.
The Venice Carnival is therefore at once an allegory and a celebration offering an occasion for exposure and concealment to one and all.
It furnishes the opportunity to mingle and mix while cautiously guarding one’s privacy in an artful way. This vibrant but mystical experience is surely a world class event not to be missed by those who seek originality, creativity and entertainment.