Dual Ec(h)o of Rome: Masked Spectacle

Venetian Carnival

Let’s take a little break from food talk and dive into something that’s buzzing across Italy right now! Not just in Rome, but in almost every city, there’s an atmosphere of celebration. Two years ago, I had the chance to visit the most famous and spectacular carnival in Venice—the very place where this tradition began.

The Venetian Carnival is a grand, costume-filled festival where, for a whole week, both Italians and visitors from around the world transform into different characters. Some recreate historical figures, while others draw inspiration from movies, theater, music, or art. And, of course, the highlight of the event? The masks—handmade, beautifully decorated, and often full of mystery.

The first mention of the Venetian Carnival dates all the way back to 1094. Later, in 1162, after a victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia, people gathered in St. Mark’s Square for a huge celebration. Dressed in elaborate costumes, they danced, drank, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Over time, this tradition spread beyond Venice, making its way to other Italian cities.

Even today, Venice remains the city of masks, drawing thousands of visitors every year to experience this unique mix of history, art, and spectacle. If you ever get the chance to visit during carnival season—don’t miss it! It’s like stepping into a dream where the past and present merge in the most magical way.

Furthermore, you have to check out the countless little artisan shops. Many of them are family-run and have been crafting masks by hand for generations. Trust me, these aren’t just any masks—they’re masterpieces! Each one has its own unique touch, reflecting the creativity and skill of the artisans. They are elegant and mysterious, sometimes extravagant (like this demon in the picture), but all of them carry a Venetian charm.

The Carnival itself – it’s not just about the masks! It’s the perfect excuse to wander through Venice, get lost in its narrow streets, and explore the medieval atmosphere. You should take a ride on a gondola in Venice’s canals, passing by centuries-old buildings. It’s pure magic!

Roman Carnival

Few people on the planet haven’t heard of the Venice Carnival. But what if I told you that Rome had an equally famous Carnival tradition? The Roman Carnival celebration drew visitors from everywhere, like in Venice. The tradition began in the Middle Ages and was popular until Italy’s reunification.

The main event of the Roman Carnival was the Corsa dei Berberi, a horse race. The race’s protagonist was a specific horse breed, the Barb from Northern Africa. It was a wild horse race, without riders. The race started at Piazza del Popolo Square and concluded at the central Piazza Venezia Square, passing through Via del Corso. The name “Via del Corso” reflects this, as “Corso” or “Corsa” means “race” in Italian.

Italian cities often had their unique masks and costumes. Each mask usually represented specific characters that reflected the peculiarities of that city. Rome was no exception; the most famous of them was Rugantino. Rugantino’s name comes from the Roman word “ruganza”, meaning arrogance. That was the main feature of Rugantino’s character: a bit cocky and boastful, but with a heart of gold. I can tell you that this is a fitting description for many Romans! Sometimes we brag a bit too much about how beautiful our city is, but we always mean well.

Apart from the horse races, another important, but much more macabre event took place during the Roman Carnival: public executions. Yes, you heard well, executions. In the past, people’s sensitivities were quite different from today. Public executions were a popular spectacle, and many considered them a fun part of Carnival celebrations. One of the main stages for them was the famous Piazza del Popolo.

Unfortunately, after Rome became the capital of Italy, the city underwent many changes, causing the Roman Carnival to gradually lose importance. The horse races were abolished in 1874. The reason? The horses weren’t very careful, and they ran over some of the audience quite often. Ironically, that still happens nowadays in Rome, only with modern cars.

Ronciglione

If you still want to experience some of the Roman Carnival today, then you should head to the small town of Ronciglione. The town is less than one hour away from Rome. Its Carnival still has many of the features the Roman Carnival had, including the race of the Barb horses.

The main event is no doubt the parade, with many colorful masks and costumes. Next Mardi Gras, if you’re in Rome, there’s no better plan. Wear your most extravagant costume and parade through the beautiful streets of Ronciglione!