Carnevale in Venice!

Before I came out to Italy Venice was one of my top places I wanted to visit while I was out here. After, my experience I was not disappointed.


We took a day trip for Carnevale. In Italian they say Carnevale di Venezia, but for English speakers we just simply say Venice Carnival. The Venice Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest. During the Carnival period Venice offered numerous possibilities for spending money. The choices were various, with activities such as gambling dens, brothels, theatres, cafés, wine shops, and restaurants, as well as booths where people could see exotic animals, ropewalkers and jugglers. In the past, the streets of Venice Carnival were full of people in masks, and no differentiation could be made between nobility and the common people.Nowadays, Venice Carnival attracts tourists from all over. However, Venetian parties were a primary aspect of Carnevale di Venezia for the Italian people. Although they are not made public celebrations still go on at night during Carnevale within the city grounds in unknown locations to tourists.


We took a water taxi to get to the island. The view from the boat was to die for. Absolutely amazing. The water was so blue and speed boats and gondolas (not actual gondola rides taking place)  were just cruising through the waters. We got to the island, put our Carnevale masks on and dove in to the experience.


Right off of the boat I immediately felt like I was in Halloween town or something. Walking the crowded streets and seeing people covered from head to toe in masks, cloaks, hats, and massive dresses, was the coolest experience. Not one person had the same outfit. There were women dressed up as castles, oceans, flowers, gardens, you name it. It was there. Men were dressed royalty or masked men with cloaks that looked evil. Everyone was snapping pictures with and of everyone. Tourists even took part in the Carnevale experience. So many people had masquerade masks on and enjoyed the Venetian aspects of Carnevale.


The architecture in the center of San Marco Square was beautiful. Everything is so historical and old and it is just beautiful to see.


We got our American on while we were in Venice too. In all honesty I didn't think I would miss American food as much as I do.The food in Italy is indescribable but sometimes you just miss what you're used to. So, we ate at the Hard Rock and I got a California Chicken Wrap and fries, something you could never get in Italy. It was a little taste of home :)


But in all honesty, the little canals is what truly made me feel like I was in Venice, seeing gondola rides taking place through the little canals and under bridges was the best part of being in Venice. As weird as it sounds. I've always wanted to see that and experience being in Venice and watching gondolas go by. I know my experience of Venice would have been different if we didn't go during such a popular time when the city was overcrowded but I don't regret it. I went for Carnevale, one of the oldest and most popular festivals Italy has to offer.