Best Venetian Masks for Venice Themed Masquerade Parties

Photo: Black Princess Nuovo Venetian Mask

Venetian masks are a must have accessory of the Carnival of Venice, which officially started back in the second part of the 13th century. In reality, it was celebrated more or less one hundred years before. The Venetian Carnival festivities began with a big masquerade ball in which the entire population took part as well as entertainments such as acrobats, exotic animals, magic tricks and theatrical performances.

Long story short, Carnival began - and still begins - on January 6th (Epiphany) and last for a few weeks to end on Fat Tuesday when people entered the 40 days of Fast period.Because they were allowed by authorities to wear a mask and granted total liberty, people would do anything they wanted! There were no differences between people: nobles or commoners, rich or poor, middle-class or domestics, everybody took pleasure from the festivities before observing the celebrations of Lent.

One of the most popular activities of Venetians during Carnival was to poison their enemies... Naturally, today, we do not poison our enemies any more but we still enjoy Carnival parades, parties and wear costumes.

A Venetian Carnival costume doesn't need to be complicated or extravagant: as long as you wear a Venetian mask, you're sure to match the theme of your Carnival party.

Moretta mask was in reality a Venetian Carnival costume mask for women only. The moretta is some kind of "full face" black oval Venetian mask worn by ladies during Carnival in Venice. Moretta was a small oval mask with two holes for the eyes as well as a special form for the nose (with no opening).

The moretta didn't have an opening for the mouth either: a small button at the level of the mouth guaranteed complete anonymity to the women who wore the mask as this button was used to hold the mask in position.

While the moretta isn't used any more, it still is a very typical Venetian mask and if you wish to wear such a mask for Carnival, its simplicity will allow you to make it yourself.

Materials to make a homemade moretta mask:

• 1 paper plate
• 1 sheet construction paper (white)
• Black paint
• Paint brushes
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Directions for this tiny Venetian mask:

• Cut out the border of your paper plate
• Punch a hole on both side (these will be used to attach ribbons)
• Cut out two holes for the eyes
• Cut out one half oval shape for the nose
• Out of construction paper, cut out a larger half oval shape, manipulate it to make the piece of paper the shape of a nose and glue it on the mask
• Paint the mask black
Attach a ribbon on each side of the mask

That's it! Now you've got an unusual but original Venetian mask!

Naturally, if you wish, you can make several moretta masks, paint them in different colors, add a few gold and silver accents, beads and ribbons; this will provide you with an entire collection of home decorations for Carnival.

Photo Credit: Green Jolly 17 Pt. Venetian Masquerade Mask

There are many more models of Venetian masks available on the market: half face Venetian masks which only hide your face to the nose; some of these models of Venetian masks can be really extravagant as they can include large feathers, attached hats and/or collars, etc.

Other Venetian masks include animal figures, more particularly cats; Jester masks; butterfly shaped masks, etc. Some designers even created leather or metallic Venetian costume masks and, of course, the extraordinary porcelain or leather masks that you can hang on your walls to decorate the house.

Venetian masks can also be used as Mardi Gras party decorations, they're the best way to make your house match the theme of your party and easy to use decorations: just hang them on the walls and you're done.

Happy Carnival!