ROME (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Participants may finally celebrate the return of the historic carnival and parade through Venice’s Saint- Mark’s square after two years of silence, now that surgical masks have been replaced with traditional masks.
“It’s a little different because it’s a lot quieter, and we don’t have as many festivities,” an Australian, Fiona Spagnuolo, a resident in Venice, explained. “But we’ll have our own parties and festivities, so it’ll be good.”
“Wearing this outfit represents regeneration for me. I’m trying to bring a little Carnival to Venice by dressing up, and I’m hoping to see a lot of unique masks this time, “Matteo, a tourist from Vicenza, agreed.
Some of the most anticipated events, the Flight of the Angel and the costume competition, for example, have been cancelled, so things aren’t back to normal yet.
Italy repealed the requirement to wear masks outside on Friday, but the city of Venice still advises residents to do so in congested places.
“It’s a little hard because there are so few people,” Cristina Verardo, a German resident of Venice, says. “But we’re still alive and we want to show everyone that we’re still here.”
“And it’s fantastic. It’s very lovely here. Everyone is welcome to visit Venice, whether or not COVID is present.”
Around 80,000 people have arrived to commemorate the anniversary, according to local media, including 32,000 foreign tourists – a considerably higher number than the typical 3 million visitors.
The carnival this year starts from February 19th and will run till March 1st.
The theme for the year is “Remember the Future”
Evenings and activities in Venice’s palaces are permitted with the requirement of presenting an EU Digital Covid Certificate or other comparable certification.
The Venice carnival is made up of 95% costumed and masked people who will return this year from all over the world to represent the carnival’s true enchantment.
The most masked and costumed people can be found in and around Saint Mark’s Square, but costumed groups can also be found in many other locations across Venice.
