Facades

looking?, originally uploaded by arnabchat.

Much has been said about the Rio De Janiero and Trinidad carnivals, but I have taste for European renaissance masks.

So there's a Carnival in Venice, Italy that takes full advantage of this and I decided to do some research. Over 600 years of documented mask usage in Venice that stirred up controversy. Masquerading was along the lines of Clockwork Orange with men invading women's parlours to get their freak on. The moral standings of Venice we're holding a test between the heretics and heritage of the city. The masquerades were limited and outlawed to the point where they could only be worn during festivals.

Welcome to modern day Venice. The intrigue that was encapsulated in Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, without the death threats. Count me in next year, who's coming on the trip? It'll be straight Othello!