TRUTHS UNMASKED

Many of the Serenissima’s fascinating secrets will be unmasked on this truly Venetian experience. Young guests will be introduced to one of the city’s most ancient crafts, listen to compelling stories and get a feel for the spirit of this remarkable city.

The origins of Venetian Carnival masks are deeply buried in bygone days. We know masks were in use in the 13th century and were considered the very soul of Carnival celebrations up until the late 18th century, when they were officially banned by the ruling King of Austria. “Good morning Mrs Mask” was the Venetians’ customary greeting during the festive period, when constraints due to gender and social status suddenly disappeared behind the lavishly decorated Carnival masks. Masks allowed Venetian men and women to conceal their true identities and play out their fantasies freely by pretending to be someone else. During Carnival Venice’s rigid class system could be temporarily suspended and citizens could interact with each other outside the bonds of convention. Aristocrats and peasants could mingle and engage anonymously in mischievous behaviour and illicit (or even criminal) activities – from throwing eggs at passers-by to gambling and political assassination.

Inside a mask shop children will discover how mask artisans still craft hand-made masks by practising techniques that date back eight hundred years. Here the whole family will enjoy an introduction to the age-old art of mask-making, discover the meaning of the most famous Venetian masks and crown their experience with a fun, hands-on mask decorating workshop. Select a blank papier-mâché mask, don your aprons, grab your brushes and, under the guidance of an instructor, try your hand at painting and decorating your very own mask with acrylic paint, rhinestones, feathers, glitter, trimmings and ribbons.

Later, wearing your very own disguise, follow your guide off the beaten track, through Venice’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways, past picturesque campielli, across quaint footbridges, under ancient archways. Adults and children will be treated to true tales and entertaining tidbits about the local characters – artists, nobles, rulers and more – who used to haunt these very streets, canals and buildings. Take away not just a mask but meaningful memories of this uniquely magical city and some of its most colourful inhabitants.