The Venice Carnival is the most famous and oldest festival of masks and reincarnations in the world. It is celebrated annually in February and lasts 18 days!
An enchanting evening, brimming with an old magic that is irresistible to all who become swept up in its wonderment. Beauty and opulence reign in this world of mysticism, and romance is truly in the air
The moretta (meaning dark one) or servetta muta (meaning mute servant woman) was a mask of black velvet, worn by travelling women in the 16th century to protect their skin from sunburn. The fashion of the period for wealthy women was to keep their skin pale, because a tan suggested that the bearer worked outside and was hence poor. The mask was held in place by biting on a button or bead attached to the inside, leaving the wearer unable to speak. The mask's prevention of speech was deliberate, intended to heighten the mystery of the masked woman even further.