I dreamt of participating in the Carnival of Venice, Italy, since adolescent. At the time living in France, in the Loire Valley, Italy did not seem that far… Yet, it is only after returning to my father’s land when 30 yrs of age (as a woman I do not like to use what I call “the O word”…), the United States, that I finally bought a plane ticket to the cradle of the Arts that is beautiful Italy. And yes, I traveled to this ultra romantic destination alone. My reasoning was simple: I was not going to wait for that one “man of my Life” to finally show up any longer to visit The Serenissime, which is the nickname of the most romantic city on earth laying along The Grand Canal, Venezia. And good thing I didn’t, would have made for a very long wait…
I fell in love with Italy as I visited Florence, Rome and Venice during that trip. Seeing beauty in every piece of art and within the old stones that built these towns. But I felt struck in awe as I discovered Venice, arriving into the train station after dark, and gliding onto the Grand Canal by water bus – or vaporetto -, when you witness the splendor of the palazzos along the river, their windows lit by the opulent chandeliers from a bygone era, couples cuddled up in gondolas passing by, gondoliers singing their serenade into the night… Ahhh Venice! Magnifique!
It took another 15 years, and my fourth trip to Venice, to finally make it to one of the most renowned festivals in the world: the Carnival of Venice. It was worth the wait, so incredible and so fun. As photography has become more than a hobby, I was naturally drawn, camera in hand, towards all these magnificent detailed costumes, these intriguing masks… Some people, also called “poseurs” – which in french language translates to “posing for photographers” – , prepare their costumes all year long for this one exceptional event, and are really the heart of this Carnival fantasy, showing off their creations in the narrow streets and on famous Piazza San Marco at sunrise, or during some grand ball, an ultimate elegant dancing event.
Meet some of these intriguing creatures through a few images I captured during Carnival of Venice 2013:
I will be adding to this photo gallery and detailing my Carnival experience in a future post, so you can get all the tips you need to make the famed Carnival of Venice your own fantastic memory, maybe next year?
How did you feel when you visited Venice for the first time? Please give us your impressions by posting in the comments section below. Would love to read your adventures!
6 Comments
Lovely pictures! I’ve been to Venice several times but never during Carnevale! And Florence, Rome…. oh, I need to get back to Italy! Thanks for the virtual trip 🙂
I know the feeling Sarah! Italy draws me back in again and again… I will also be posting about my recent exploration of the breath-taking Amalfi Coast, also a real treat in so many ways. I recommend Italy to everyone I meet. Thank you for your kind words, and Happy Travels 🙂
I’m glad you finally made to the Carnival of Venice, Aimee! Those costumes are amazing and so crisp with the detail. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Tres Jolie! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Merci beaucoup Theresa! 🙂
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