University of Michigan student Arden Reed blogs from her study abroad perch in Florence, Italy.

Venice Carnivale: the one time out of the year that one can don a mask and become a queen, king, jester, animal or all of the above. The one time young and old can forget their identity, and adopt a new one, and drop their troubles. Having been celebrated since the year 1294, Carnivale traditionally falls within the two weeks before Ash Wednesday, when the city comes alive with elaborate costumes, inventive food festivals, dancing ensembles, and tourists from all over the world wanting to get in on the pre-Lenten festivities.

Venice is often known for its dead-end streets, poorly labeled street signs, and unapologetic aura of unpredictability. While I spent two Euro on a map, I should have saved my money, as it went untouched in my purse by the end of the day. I found that the beauty of Venice was being able to get a little lost and to weave my way with the crowd to see what I might find, and it never disappointed.

Active Masked Participant During Venice Carnivale

(image from author)

My host mother warned me as I was leaving Florence that Carnivale might not be the way to “see” Venice. She was worried that the crowds and costumes might cloud my image of the city she called magica. While I trust my host mother implicitly for good company and all things Italian cuisine, she may have missed the gondola on this one. Not only was the city bustling with character, but even commoners like myself could put on a mask and not feel like a complete Americana. Instead I felt instantly apart of the fun that was inescapable throughout the many winding streets, jolly business proprietors, and never-ending canals that embody this great city.

No, I never made it to the Guggenheim, and never got in a gondola, but I think the real experience was roaming among the pride of locals and tourists alike, masks in hand, and enjoying the whimsical flurry of Carnivale.

From now on I will trust my host mother with everything, since she most definitely speaks the truth: Venezia è la citta magica.