It is one of the most unbeatable facts that the city of Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the whole wide world. It still preserves its entire old world Italian charm and is perhaps the reason why it is still as famous as one of the top tourist destinations.

One of the most famous tourist attractions is the carnival or more aptly called Carnival of Venice (also known as Mardi Grass or Carnevale di Venezia). The carnival is held two Saturdays before and finishes one day preceding the Ash Wednesdays.

Photo by US Army Africa

The significance of this Ash Wednesday or the period of Lent is that people are supposed to fast and bid farewell to foods like meat, sugars, butter etc. Thus, carnivals were supposed to be organized to consume all such foods before the starting of Lent.

However, the carnival no longer has any religious significance, as now it mostly represents fun, disorder, drinking and a lot of merry making to kick off the Lent period with aplomb.

Quick information

When? The Venice Carnival 2014 starts on Saturday February 15th and lasts for more than 2 weeks till Tuesday March 4th.

Theme for 2014: Wonder and Fantasy Nature.

Official website: carnevale.venezia.it

Photo by heatherbroster

Intriguing attractions that you should not miss!

Of course! The festival or this carnival is all about having fun, and many things play a part in it. One of the most important things to remember is that there is always a theme for this carnival, therefore always be alert and informed of the theme. This will let you have more fun as being a part of the crowd is better than being the odd one out.

In addition, there is absolutely no way you can skip on those ethereal Venetian masks. Make yourself a pleasure and buy some of the real deal masks from the up market shops, as it is very easy to get duped with the fake replicas of these.

Photo by heatherbroster

Venetian masks are a very important aspect of this carnival and you can see the beauty and artisanship that these require to be crafted. The whole city is full of artists and acrobats and performers during this time, therefore make it a point to witness some of these mind-boggling performances that are supposed to leave a deep impression in the hearts of the people.

This is not all; you can also enjoy sailing or riding in a gondola boat, dressed in your carnival costume and reminisce in the beauty and history of the ancient city that is Venice.

Photo by Frank Kovalchek

Want some quiet time?

For those of you, who are not very big fans of parties and street masquerades, there is also the option of going to gala dinners, and social events. This is however, an invites only zone and if you manage to get an invite to any of these events, you are sure to have a fun time.

The celebration that goes nonstop for two weeks is perhaps the most opulent and extravagant of all carnivals that are celebrated all across the world. Being a part of this, will make you realize just what being a part of history feels like.

Photo by Frank Kovalchek

Considering that, this carnival has existed since thirteenth century only to take a short hiatus in the eighteenth century to be started again, is one of the oldest of such festivals in the world’s history!

So, what are you waiting for, taste the vintage flavors of Venice like never before, at the Venice Carnival!

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