Photo: Decorative Masks Market Stalls Venice Italy

These decorative masks can be found in the delightful market stalls along the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the most popular promenades in Venice, Italy.

Many interesting and fun things can be purchased in the delightful market stalls in Venice, Italy. Some of the best stalls can be found along the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the most popular promenades in Venice. Quite close to St. Mark's Square one will also find fine hotels and restaurants on the Riva degli Schiavoni.

The decorative masks are traditionally worn at 'Carnevale' time, which is a fiesta starting ten days before Lent and ending on Shrove Tuesday with the burning of an effigy of 'Carnival' in St. Mark's Square, in Venice. The Carnevale first started at the end of the 11th century and continued until the late 18th century. The tradition lay dormant until the 1970s when the people of Venice restored the fun and frivolities.

In the Middle Ages the makers of the masks formed their own guild, and moneyed and noblemen wore masks (plainer than the fancy ones on the stalls today) so they could move around Venice without being recognized. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Venice Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Visitors to Venice, Italy can purchase these colourful masks from the market stalls along the
Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice, Italy. The masks can be made of ceramic, but the papier-mache and the leather masks are more authentic (and usually more expensive).

However, one of these decorative masks would be a wonderful reminder of the trip to Venice, Italy.

Venetian Masks in market stalls along the Riva degli Schiavoni in Venice, Veneto, Italy, Europe.