7Venice Carnival Once Lasted Nearly Half the Year
Today, Venice Carnival is a short, intense burst of festivities leading up to Lent. Historically, however, it was anything but brief.
At its height during the Venetian Republic, carnival celebrations could begin as early as October and continue until Lent, sometimes lasting close to six months. Masks were worn so frequently that they became part of everyday life rather than special occasion attire.
This extended carnival period blurred the line between normal life and performance, turning Venice itself into a living stage where identities were fluid and appearances deceiving.
