Dear readers,

Let’s dive today into the colorful and mysterious universe of Venetian masks, enigmatic symbols of a hidden, theatrical Venice. These masks, more than any other element, epitomize the essence of the Venice Carnival, an event that transforms the city into a living stage, where every corner and alley becomes part of a larger performance.

The history of Venetian masks begins in ancient times, when they were used not only during Carnival but as a daily tool to preserve anonymity and break social barriers. In a stratified society like Venice’s, masks offered freedom and licentiousness, hiding identities and allowing everyone, nobles and commoners alike, to mingle without prejudice.

One of the most iconic and mysterious masks is the ‘Bauta’. Traditionally white, it covers the entire face, featuring a ‘galea’, a black hood, and a tricorn hat. The Bauta was not just a disguise but also a symbol of egalitarianism, as it masked any distinctive features of the face, making it impossible to distinguish a count from a peasant.

Equally fascinating is the ‘Moretta’, an oval mask worn by women. Its peculiarity was the absence of a strap, forcing the wearer to hold it with a button in the mouth, thus ensuring a mysterious and seductive silence. The Moretta was considered a symbol of modesty and reserve, adding another layer of mystery to female figures.

Then there is the ‘Medico della peste’, with its long beak, originally designed as a protective device for doctors during plague epidemics. This mask, with its large dark glasses and a beak filled with aromatic herbs to filter the air, has become one of the most recognizable and unsettling symbols of the Carnival.

Each mask has a story, an origin that often stems from the social, historical, or theatrical needs of the time in Venice. The legends surrounding these masks are numerous, and walking through the alleys during Carnival, one can almost hear the whispers of past stories, told by concealed faces dancing in the uncertain glow of the lanterns.

I conclude this journey through the legends of Venetian masks, reminding you that Venice is a city where reality often blurs into the contours of narrative and representation, where every mask tells a hidden truth, every face conceals a story.

Until our next adventure