“The Venice Carnival began in 1162 in celebration of the Venice Republic’s victory over its enemy: the Patriarch of Aquileia. The people of Venice gathered in Saint Mark’s Square (San Marco) to dance and celebrate their victory. Ever since then, the victory was celebrated in the streets of Venice” (Wikipedia).
Carnevale is the most licentious party of all, when everything is permitted, the nobles are allowed to wear poor people’s costumes, prostitutes become princesses, married women and men can choose a different partner for one night, all the roles are inverted for the spirit of rebellious toward the institutions and the desire to break all the social rules. Wearing a mask is a necessity, all that is done on this evening of Mardi Gras must remain forever a secret.
There was a time when Mardi Gras was one of the highlights of my year. Masquerade parties were exceptional and remarkable.
I wanted to be ready just in case some invitation would arrive today. I tried to order this leopard top hat from a guy who makes them in Liverpool, England and didn’t come at all.
I wanted to order this pair of ankle boots, I think the brand is Fausto Puglisi and I couldn’t find a place to order them.
I guess it was not meant to be this year, and I guess no one is doing anything fun this Mardi Gras either. Just last year in February I was celebrating, it all seems so far away now, a long time ago. Today feels empty, and it is grey, on top of all.
Maybe tonight I should go back to Pirandello, an Italian novelist and screenplay writer, who said
“You will learn the hard way that in the long journey of life you will meet many masks and a few faces”
in his novel Uno, Nessuno e Centomila.
The masks we wear these days are far from being funny. Are we getting used to everything being fake and unreal?
Happy Mardi Gras. Ciao,
Valentina
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Copyright © 2021 Valentina Cirasola, All Rights Reserved
Valentina Cirasola is an Italian Interior Designer established in 1990. Often people describe her as “the colorist” as she loves to color her clients’ world and loves to create the unusual. Currently, she consults on colors based on clients’ personalities and lifestyles, she creates atmospheres using the proper lighting that is going to add harmony and peace to the homes and she helps clients creating fantasy rooms instead of typical rooms looking like furniture showrooms. She is the author of six published books, two of which are on design subjects. Amazon and Barnes&Noble
Valentina Expressions 
Feb 27, 2021 @ 10:46:39
It has been a while from me, and it is wonderful to see you are still around, Valentina. Really enjoyed this flashback post about the Venice Carnival and dress ups. Sorry to hear you weren’t able to order that top hat and boots. They really look like they would look good on you. Some things aren’t just meant to be this year. So agree with Pirandello’s quote. In life so many people don’t show their true colours and at times take advantage of you.
The masks we wear these days serve a purpose, for now. What a time we live in. While I feel there is a lot of good to take away from these times, I hope things get better for everyone else too. Take care.
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Feb 27, 2021 @ 23:39:05
Hi Mabel, strangely enough, I have been thinking of you lately and missed seeing your posts as well.
Yes, I am still around, although I feel to have been robbed of a year.
Last year brought me a lot of aggravations like everyone else, and I stayed a bit away from blogging just to resolve some new issues.
I plan to write more this year and to read more of my fellow bloggers.
We hope this life of reclusion will end soon. Thank you for the visit and your comment, I appreciate it. Take care.
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Feb 28, 2021 @ 10:12:05
Thank you for thinking of me, Valentina. Very kind of yo. I used to see your blog posts in my Reader. Not sure what happened. I have subscribed again and hope it stays that way 😊
Sorry to hear last year has been a downer for you. It has been a rough year for many. It does look like things are turning around though. Like you, last year I stayed away from blogging…it wasn’t too bad a year for me but I had to make lots adjustments.
Have a good week ahead.
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Mar 01, 2021 @ 01:16:57
Thank you Mabel, it’s very comforting to know I haven’t lost friendly readers. I intend to be more present in the blogosphere. I hope things get better for you this year. Thank you for your friendship. 😀
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Feb 24, 2021 @ 18:33:12
A delightful stroll through your memories, Valentina. Oh, and I love the leopard top hat! Hugs on the wing.
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Feb 25, 2021 @ 06:06:02
Yes, you are right, Teagan, memories of my Mardi Gras are fantastic. I hope to add more memories.
Thanks for the visit.
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Feb 24, 2021 @ 18:28:38
I am sorry you felt blue, Valentina. Everything is a little dull right now with the lockdowns and lack of socializing. Things are getting better now though. There are vaccines and I know the UK is going to start to ease out of lockdown again in March. There is next year to look forward too.
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Feb 25, 2021 @ 05:43:14
Hopefully this year this situation will be resolved. Thanks for the visit.
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Feb 24, 2021 @ 11:17:50
Love the hat and boots Valentina.. hopefully Mardi Gras will be back in full swing next year…hugsx
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Feb 25, 2021 @ 05:41:47
I hope so, Sally, it’s such fun and it is the highlight of my year. Thanks for the visit.
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