A face covered with a black mask: the Moretta (The mute mask)
A mask typically of the fairer sex, particularly appreciated by men for its characteristic of not allowing the wearer to speak. What pleased the women, however, was certainly the aura of mystery and the anonymity that...
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A transvestite: the Gnaga or catwoman
Some believe that the name derives from gnau, the sound a cat makes, and it was certainly a disguise that was appreciated by young homosexuals who were forced to hide their sexuality during the rest of the year....
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Fools and other madmen
Joker, impertinent and mischievous: these could be the titles attributed to this mask, known for its favorite pastime, the gioco delle ova (the game of eggs). Indeed, those who decided to wear such costume would soil...
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Maintaining anonymity: The Bautte
A typical Venetian disguise, considered the "national mask", which allowed the wearer to remain anonymous. By wearing a larva, the white face, distinctions no longer existed and everything was uniform: men, women...
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Pantalon de’ Bisognosi
The typically Venetian mask from the Commedia dell'Arte, played by a singular and elderly merchant with a frank dialectal way of speaking. He is often depicted with a bag of money, called bezzi or palanche in the...
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The clever servant of Bergamo: Brighella
Greed and cunning are two of the main characteristics of this character, known for her pandering and profettering attitudes towards the owner of her workplace. Much of her fame is due to her multiple vicissitudes with...
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The foolish and buffoonish servant: Arlecchino (Harlequin)
Publicly loved for his undisputed congeniality and for being gullible and confident; not surprisingly he is often the victim of scams. Constantly hungry and looking to improve the situation in which he finds himself,...
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The Know-it-all from Bologna: Doctor Balanzone
A know-it-all character who enchants people with his continuous talk; but soon after listening to him one realizes that his conversation is in reality, all smoke and mirrors. Well fed, plump, full of good humor and...
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The mischievous servant girl: Colombina
Representing the popular Venice of the time with her humble profession as a servant employed by a noble patrician family. An attractive girl with beautiful features who is self-confident, cunning and sometimes...
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The Neapolitan mask: Pulcinella
A characteristic mask from Naples that identifies with the radiance and sympathy of Southern Italy, infusing joy with its vivacity and lightheartedness. It is interesting that this jolly, cheerful and slightly...
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The Plague Doctor
Not a carnival costume but rather a symbol of death, used to remember how much pain and suffering the disease brought to Venice. The shape of the curved beak on the white mask quickly brings to mind the beak of a...
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