Top Carnival Destinations in the World

Carnival, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday; whatever you choose to call it, the last day before the start of Lent, the 40 days of repentance is famous to bring out the wild side of millions of people all over the world. In fact, in many countries, locals are known to spend over a month taking to the streets, parading, donning Venetian masks, and partying late into the wee hours of the morning.

Venice, Rio and New Orleans are just some of the many popular destinations in the world that tempt you to put your masks for masquerade balls and have some sinful fun!

• Mardi Gras - New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Thousands of tourists and locals are able to have ball of a time in New Orleans, when the city is known to loosen is reins a little and douse itself with limitless strings of beads, festive costumes and eye catching floats. The city is known to host some of the most spectacular parades starting 2 weeks prior to Mardi Gras.

• Carnival of Binche – Binche, Beglium

In Binche, it is considered to be great honor for a man to be selected to join the Gilles on Shrove Tuesday each year. Gilles are essential clown like performances who wear plumed hats, wax masks and colorful costumes. They are known to start dancing around the city during the wee hours of the morning and continue doing so late into the night.

• Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

This region comes with a rich and vibrant history with French roots. The Carnival is considered to be one of the most important celebrations of the year. The Monday and Tuesday right before Ash Wednesday is the time when thousands of locals flock the streets to show off their elaborate costumes that may have taken months to finish. Complete with traditional Venetian masks and a range of events such as a competition for the title of ‘the Band of the Year’ and the ‘Calypso Monarch’, visiting this Caribbean treasure during Carnival is a experience worth having.

• Carnival of Brazil – Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil

There is absolutely no Carnival celebration in the world that can compete with the atmosphere that is created in Rio de Jeneiro during the festivals. Brazilians are known to takes their weeks before Lent extremely seriously. This means that you get a chance to witness some of the largest and most elaborate parades. Just 2 years ago, it was estimated that 5 million people attended the Carnival in Brazil. For some high-octane partying, Rio de Jeneiro is the place to be.

• Mardi Gras – Sydney, Australia

A rather underrated Carnival destination, the city makes the most of this festival to support the LGBT community. The evening parade down Oxford and Flinders streets are worth watching. You must also make time to attend the drag races on Bondi Beach, the sunset cruise and the harbor-side dance party.

Other unlikely contenders but equally exciting Carnival destinations include the Notting Hill Carnival, London; the Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City and the Carnival celebrations in Montevideo, Uruguay.

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Add Fun to Dressing up This Halloween

It is October and is time again to start planning your perfect costume for Halloween. Halloween costumes are conventionally reproduced taking influences from supernatural figures such as ghosts, devils, monsters, skeletons and witches. The idea behind dressing up in costumes at parties is to portray frightening creatures.

Dressing up in fancy attire and going ‘guising’ was widespread in Ireland and Scotland at Halloween by the late 19th century. Costuming then became popular for Halloween parties in the US in the early 20th century among adults as well as children.

Halloween costume parties generally occur on or around October 31 but often celebrated on the Friday or Saturday before Halloween.

Dressing up as your Favorite Character

Over the years, Halloween has turned into an excuse to dress up and exhibit your dream personality. Adults like to dress like movie stars, Renaissance maidens, Medieval knights, superheroes or even Dead celebrities. 

Experimenting with the costume is a big part of Halloween. However, it is best to stick to a character or a concept that you genuinely feel for or are passionate about. For example, if you intend to dress up as a Harry Potter character, it makes more sense to do so if you have watched the movies or read the books. This will allow you to adopt the personality of your character easily and add panache to your outfit. .

Selecting the Right Theme

A creative mind may need a little inspiration. Decide a theme that can be as basic that of a bride, a pirate or a vampire or simply go for themes such as cult movies, TV show characters or cartoons.  Your Halloween outfit will reflect your own personality

Give dress-up a creative boost with costumes that instigate imagination. Choose from a wide variety of fantasy or occupational sets, embroidered embellishments, realistic sounds and many more elements to complete your elaborate outfit.
You can also team them up with wigs, stockings, hats, gloves, boots, false colored nails, fake eyelashes and velvet Venetian masks.

Accessorizing with Naughty Masks

Venetian masks reinstate the mischievous use it was put to.

In early times, Venetian masks were used as protection of the wearer’s identity in the city of Venice. These days’ Venetian masks are used during carnivals around the world and at parties. People really enjoy and have fun times wearing all types of crazy masks.

Using such masks you are sure to make a great impression. If you are a lady and want a teasing look, you can opt for a mask on a stick. Men can wear half masks that would look elegant and highlight their facial features. For the one who wishes to keep the identity a complete mystery can opt for a full face feather mask.

Most people prefer masks which compliment their costumes. However, if you are not able to find exactly what you are looking for, a black or white mask works just fine with any kind of costume.

The key to a memorable costume Halloween is going a little over the top and using accessories that storm the party.

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Masquerade Masks – From Past to Present

Did you know that Shakespeare arranged the first meeting of his extremely popular characters, Romeo and Juliet, at a Masquerade Ball?

History suggests that the now world famous Masquerade Masks originated in Venice, Italy during the 15th Century. They were primarily in use by general public before Masquerade Balls came into existence in 16th Century Renaissance. Further theories suggest that the original usage was meant to conceal identity of the wearer as well as to equalize people from higher and lower classes during public events.

Masks in the 16th Century

Masquerade Balls were frenzied events that carried the auras of mystery and charm. The events included elaborate dancing, socializing between various strata of society and of course, the unparalleled masquerade masks for women as well as men. The masks enhanced the liberal nature of these events, as identities could not be determined. People could raise their concerns and indulge in extravaganzas of any nature without worrying about the repercussions. The masks of that time were mainly molded from clay and velvet with an array of decorative like feathers and colored stones (even the occasional precious stones for the richer crowd). The designs were so varied that two of a kind were a rare sight indeed.

The Laws against the Use of Masks

Towards the 18th century, laws were put in place to limit the use of masks on a regular basis. By this time, the masks carried the façade of intrigue, often being referred as dissident. However, their use in theatre was omnipresent throughout the ages as it is even today for certain plays. 

Masquerade Masks as Home Décor in Today’s Times

In modern times, Venetian masks for women and men adorn many a collectors homes. They are a part of décor of many contemporary homes, adding a historical aura around them and, of course, enhancing the look as well!

Masquerade Themed Events in the 21st Century

Masquerade themed parties came in vogue as it allowed people to embrace a historical style of hosting as well added the thrill factor. Some weddings have been based on the Masquerade themed that included the use of Venetian masks for women and men. Charity events also have used this theme time and again to help spread their message.

The Venetian Carnival is a prevalent festival dedicated to art and the history of Masquerade. This lively event attempts to encompass the history and past of the earlier centuries. A great number of people visit the ever-romantic city of Venice to get a feel of times that once were.  If you get a chance to visit Italy during this time, you will get an incandescent feeling of the past where Masquerade Balls popularized Masquerade masks for women and men.

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Three Creative Ways To Display Your Venetian Masks

Venetian Masks have long been used as an elegant display item in households around the world.

If you have your own collection of these masks, but are yet to display it, this article will help you gain a creative perspective for your home décor.

Read on to find new ideas on where the masks can be displayed and how the look of your home can be enhanced with these beauties.

On Your Patio

Especially suited for an outdoorsy look is Moon Venetian Masks. Hang them over a seating area or even place them on a center table for an exotic teatime look. They go well with not only wooden backgrounds but even in a grassy area.

On a Bare Wall in your Living Room/Den

What better way of doing it than putting up Venetian masks on a bare wall or den? If you feel more adventurous, you can experiment with long flowing fabrics like velvet and brocade which can adorn the mask as drapes. All you need to do is drill some holes for the mask and fabric to give the mysterious aura of times that once were. This gives an enchanting effect and a unique new look to your existing wall.

Remember that the mask needs to be the center of attention and the fabrics and colors you choose should not overpower it.

On A Wooden Chest

When you look at a wooden chest or treasure chest, you instantly think of royalty. If you have a chest at home or plan to procure one for a prominent corner of your house, Moon venetian masks make a great addition to portray a historical feel and add charm to your room.

How to Display them?

Once you have identified a place for your masks, make sure the way in which you display them is also appealing.

• Consider tying the back of your mask into a bow with the help of an elegant ribbon. Use this to hang your mask from a hook or on a nail on a wall in your home.
• You can also get your mask placed in an exquisite shadowbox that is made out of a wooden frame and a clear glass. You can find these in various sizes in any framing or crafting store.
• A very creative way to display your elegant mask is by placing it on the head of a mannequin. If you own a fashion boutique or furniture store of your own, this is a great way to draw attention to various sections of yur store.

Masks should be displayed in a place from which it can be appreciated. Remember, you need to pick a place that will compliment the mask as well as enhance the area that displays it.

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Venetian Masquerade Masks: It is all about Choosing the Right One!

Venetian masquerade masks transport you back into a world of brave knights and pretty damsels who were almost always in distress. These masks reignite those long-forgotten memories of magnificent balls and slivers of caviar in silver platters. Perhaps, nostalgia is one of the reasons that have rekindled the popularity of masquerade balls amongst the young and the old.

Rules to Follow

Whether you are a student or professional, at some point in your life you may be invited for one of these high-end balls. Naturally, your costume, no matter how pretty it may be, will not have the desired effect without a Venetian carnival mask, which is a must in these balls. So, how does one choose amongst those zillions of Venetian masquerade masks? Simply, by following some ground rules.

Occasion

The first aspect to consider is the occasion. Is it a wedding or a prom or an event as big as the Mardi Gras? In case of a wedding, it is a good idea to inquire beforehand about the kind of mask you need to wear. You can check out the wedding card or ask an organiser. Generally, people prefer wearing white Venetian masquerade masks since these look classy. If you are a lady and are wary of messing up your make-up you can opt for a mask on a stick. Men can wear half masks that look elegant and highlight their facial structures.

In case of a prom, there are a lot of options available. Most prefer masks that compliment their costumes. However, if you don’t find what you are looking for, a black and white mask works just fine with any kind of costume.

Flaunt the Flashy Masks

If you are attending a Mardi Gras event, then it is advisable to choose an elaborate and flashy Venetian carnival mask. Invest in a hard-crafted mask, which will make you look mysterious and alluring. No doubt, hand crafted masks don’t come cheap, but they are a class-apart and will last you for a long time.

Quality over Price

There are a number of stores online that sell cheap masks. However, these masks lack the look and elegance of a high-quality mask. Some can even give you pretty nasty allergies, so it’s advisable that you opt for high quality carnival masks.

Remember to choose a mask which is a comfortable fit. It is obviously not a good idea to choose a mask is stifling or is too big or too small. Instead, opt for something which fits comfortably.

Most people prefer masks made from lightweight materials such as feather or paper mache. Though they look trendy, leather masks can make you sweat and are generally heavy. However, they are perfect for winter events.

If chosen rightly, masquerade masks can add that much needed allure and mystery to your ensemble which can earn you loads of admirers!

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Venetian Masks – The face of love, life and art

In use since the early 12th century, Venetian masks were the people’s answer to the rigid class structure that existed in Europe; a way for lovers to unite, for partners to be promiscuous, for homosexuals to unite in a societal structure that equalled them with demons and women to dress boldly.

In a wealthy Venice where money flowed free like the water through its canals, pleasures of life were easier to come by than freedom and this included the freedom of thought and its expression. The mask also came to be used to strike secret business deals and to carry out spy work. With Venetians ‘masking’ their lives completely, it came to be worn every day becoming their “anonymous chat ID”, if you will.

The modern reference to such masks in the famous film Eyes Wide Shut was, thus, not wary off the mark when Tom Cruise infiltrates a masquerade ball where men of influence were engaging in ‘sexcapades’. While the Venetian mask featuring in the film made them a sudden rage the world over, putting the spot light on the almost forgotten art, the news of their use was no more novel than love itself.

Naughty Naughty!

Early mentions of the Venetian masks reinforce mischievous uses it was put to. The Venetian Law itself mentions masked men throwing scented eggs at ladies during the carnival, an act which was prohibited by law.

The antics of the Venetians carried on until the 1100s when the Church banned its use on holy days in hope that this would check people’s immoral behaviour. The ban restricted the masks’ use to a small period starting December 26. Over time, this further got cut down to a week-long period, when Venetians indulged in the run up to Lent, called Carnevale.

Intrigue Rules
Though intending to curtail debauchery, the ban gave birth to one of the most intriguing festivals, “The Carnival of Venice”, where art is celebrating in a week-long orgy of master craftsmanship.

The modern times may have led mask makers to create experimental masks in keeping with changing tastes. Popular traditional disguises in early Venice included the fisherman with a rod, demon, butcher, doctor, sailor and even a dancing bear. However, one of the most popular and beautiful was the moon venetian masks.

Semiotics

In both Pagan and in Christian semiotics, the moon has been representative of the female form and the sun of the masculine, other than in Germany where it is the opposite. The moon also symbolizes the lovers seeking to hide in the lunar shadows. Thus, it stands as a favourite among the young.

These moon masks and the sun masks, both full-face and half are the most ornamental and delicately carved of all.

Traditionally made of paper mache, clay, porcelain and glass, the Venetian masks are today made of every conceivable material. On a stick or full-face, simply white or flambouyant gold and feathery; master craftsman can chisel something for everyone to unleash the masquerader within.

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Venetian Masks that Make Heads Turn!

Traditionally, Venetian masks were used to protect the identities of the wearer in ancient Rome. Today, they have become somewhat of a style statement where guests of carnival celebrations around the world don some of the most unique styles that are fragrant with style and elegance.

Most Venetian masks are made out of clay. But, you may also find some great ones in papier-mâché, complete with vibrant hues and diamantes’ and other exquisite decorations.

The next time you are invited to a masquerade themed party, consider wearing one of these unique mask designs which suit your personal likings-

1.The Columbiana – Typically made for women, this half-mask covers the eyes, nose and upper cheeks of the wearer. These masks for masquerade balls are often adorned with crystals, gold, silver and feather. You can tie them up with ribbons or even hold them in front of your face with the help of a baton.

2.The Harlequin – The peculiarity of these masks come in the form of a large, hooked nose. These also come with black and white checked diamonds and distinctly painted lips.

3.The Medico Della Peste – these full face Venetian masks are one of the most unusual and easily identifiable masks, these come with a long beak and were interestingly created as a tool to prevent the spread of diseases. Hence, these are also known as plague doctor masks.

4.The Jolly Venetian – These half or full face Venetian masks represent jokers and come with iconic curly hair and matching bells. These masks are visually more appealing than the quintessential face of a clown and come with a number of appealing decorations.

5.The Cat –Also known as the gatto mask, these masks look a lot like the face of a cat. They come with small ears and are usually only half masks that cover the top. These masks are fun to wear at a party and are quite effective in hiding identities.

Choosing the Correct Style

Select from one of these unique Venetian masks and you will be any party’s centre of attention. Choose from a range of styles and designs such as exquisite masks that are decorated with crystals, elegant feathers and bejewelled accessories. You can also find a range of petite masks that are designed especially to show a greater part of your face.

Baroque eye masks also offer a unique majestic flair complete with gold or silver filigree, beads and intricate metal work that make heads turn!

Put on a mask that suits your facial structure best and you will be sure to make heads turn the next time you are at a masquerade party, Halloween party, wedding celebration or a fancy red carpet event!

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