What to do in Venice? Visit mask shop

While traveling the world and getting more and more experiences, our modern travel needs have been changed, since we have started leaving our homes to search for memories from abroad.

Here I am bringing you a few snapshots from one lovely day in Venice´s mask shop, where you can also see how visitors are taking a workshop of painting Venetian mask. You don´t need to be an artist, all you need is to enjoy learning something new about masks and decorating it up to your taste.

You would be creating the memorable authentic object, that is fitting to the history and culture in Venice. Moreover, you will be keeping this beautiful tradition and mystery of being transformed, once wearing a mask.

What is also occurring is the fact, that we are searching for „attractions“ or ways, how to get an instant memory on the place, where we are staying. It may be vital, to do a little research before visiting any location, to understand its specific and interesting events, or sights.

While some cities are calling for new visitors, trying to come up with new and breathtaking spots where visitors would see, taste, or experience something, some places are willing to be calmer and simply to survive as it is.

The second case is the situation of Venice. With its overwhelming numbers of visitors, it is trying to solve practical issues as how to remain authentic in fast-changing world and how to keep living local life.

Here I am bringing you a few snapshots from one lovely day in Venice´s mask shop, where you can also see how visitors are taking a workshop of painting Venetian mask. It is not needed to be an artist, all you need is to enjoy learning something new about masks and decorating it up to your taste.

One of Venice´s traditions, if not mainly known elements are Venetian masks and Carnival of Venice. Carnival with its tradition coming from ancient roots is an event, that still takes place in our times.

Masks have been first „practical“ part of Venice, as people were masking themselves, to enjoy the company of different ladies or gentlemen or commit crimes and anything, that they would not do if they are themselves.

Masking would be happening in the times, that was allocated as „Carnival“ time, but in some years citizens liked to enjoy its anonymous character and being "incognito" even longer during the year.

Part of „maschere“ would be of course face mask, covering its owner but also could be parts of dress such as mantels, to cover their daily dresses. Later on, after the impact of Commedia dell Arte, masks from Commedia would come into fashion, so people were starting to be dressed as characters from popular Commedia dell Arte – Colombina, Dottore, Arlecchino and many others.

As fashion, culture and society were changing, so were masks. There have been developed various types and shapes, during the years, so did the techniques. The most common and traditional are those produced from paper maché and leather.

In our times, we can still experience this very rare craft of mask making in their natural area – in Venice. If you have some free time and look for entertainment, visiting mask shop can be one of most engaging things you could do in Venice.

There are many offers of authentic venetian ateliers, from mask making, mask painting, decorating, or renting mask and costume for carnival.

Doing little research might be recommended, or simply visiting some by yourself to pick atelier and pace that you will enjoy the most.

Photos and text by Karolinska 2019

Book your mask experience also here!