It is said that the Carnival of Venice was started from a victory of the "Repubblica della Serenissima", Venice's previous name, against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico in the year 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance in San Marco Square. The festival grew in extent and magnificence, becoming particularly grand in the Renaissance.
The Carnival declined during the 18th century. After a long absence, the Carnival was revived in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice, and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centerpiece of their efforts.
Today, approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival. One of the most important events is the contest for the best mask, placed at the last weekend of the Carnival. A jury of international costume and fashion designers votes for "La Maschera più bella".
These are some of my photographs from trip to Venice during the Carnival season of 1988...
This post is part of the Outdoor Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Our World Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Weekly TopShot meme.
