Venice

The expression "Carnevale di Venezia" was used for the first time in a document of the Doge Vitale Falier in 1094. Since the late Middle Ages, more and more magnificent and elaborate forms of Carnival have developed, starting at the Italian Courts. During Casanova’s lifetime in the 18th century, the carnival reached its utmost glory while morality became looser. In 1797, the Nobleman’s Republic lost its independence through Napoléon Bonaparte and was annexed to Austria by 1805 or 1806. The bans connected to that as well as the societal changes in the 19th century almost completely disrupted the carnival in Venice for nearly 200 years. Only in 1980 did the old tradition continue. Since that time, you can see the classical masks and the historical costumes in the streets of Venice once again during the 10 days before Ash Wednesday.