Stories of the famous masquerade parties of all times: from the Rothschilds to the Klums

Masquerade ball

Have you been dreaming of throwing an amazing party for a long time, but don’t know what theme to choose? We propose to organize a masquerade carnival, which will not only bring its own special atmosphere, but will also allow you to create a truly unusual celebration!

Mysterious masks and silhouettes, exquisite outfits and beautiful music - all this is a masquerade ball-style party for adults! Here you can enjoy the truly magnificent spirit of the Middle Ages, because that period was so full of interesting and colorful balls.

You can organize a masquerade for a corporate party or a birthday party, because a masquerade is always fun, unrestrained dancing and many, many original competitions! Here you can find interesting options for kids!

How to organize a masquerade so that everyone is happy? Read in our article today!

Invitations and outfits

Invitations to such a holiday must fully correspond to the theme. Therefore, it is better to decorate them with images of masks.

Don't forget to include dress code requirements!

When choosing an outfit for a masquerade, you can choose a simple image of a mysterious guest.

But if you are looking for more original and interesting ideas, then we can please you! Here we have collected all the best for those who dream of winning a prize for the best costume :).

By the way, you can make a mask for your costume from feathers. It looks very unusual and stylish!

In the spirit of gangster Chicago

Hats, Thompson machine guns, feather boas, clusters of pearl beads, boots, cigars, elite alcohol, gambling - the evening will be truly unforgettable. You can plunge headlong into the retro atmosphere of the 20s and 30s in America.

Dress code for sophisticated ladies:

• fitted short knee-length dresses;
• pearl beads below the belt;
• feather headband;
• fishnet stockings;
• fur boa;
• mid-heeled shoes.

Dress code for real gangsters:

• Borsalino hat;
• elegant suit;
• cufflinks;
• tie or scarf;
• striped shirt;
• patent leather shoes;
• submachine gun;
• cigar.

Main decor colors: black, white, red, gold, silver. The room where the celebration will take place can be decorated in the style of a casino. Main attributes: cards, roulette, poker chips. It’s a good idea for each participant to come up with a cool nickname for themselves. For example, “Beautiful Mary”, “Big Jim”.

Alcoholic drinks must also be designated by “nicknames”: milk, mineral water, apple juice. The event will take place during Prohibition, when alcohol was prohibited. However, for adventurers and adventurers, who were gangsters, the law is not written.

Themes for masquerade

Of course, it is important in what season the holiday takes place. For example, here we have collected interesting ideas for an autumn ball. You can also tie it to a specific holiday, for example, Halloween!

The theme of your holiday can be very diverse. For example, “film adaptations” of famous children's fairy tales or cartoons - Cippolino, Cinderella or even Shrek. Each of those present can be given roles in advance and then their costumes will fully correspond to the image :).

The circus theme will also be interesting, you can play as courtiers under King Louis and even become the heirs of the Qin dynasty for one day!

A “Masquerade Ball” themed party with a musical or vintage theme will be no less interesting.

You can choose characters from your favorite movies or computer games. The main thing is that everyone present is completely imbued with the idea and the chosen topic.

How about an urban theme?

Or the animal world?

It would be great to play with a single color scheme in a masquerade. This can be embodied both in the costumes of the guests and in the overall design of the holiday.

Cooking competition

Any corporate evening is not complete without delicious dishes. But often they are ordered in some restaurant or cafe. We should not forget that even modern women, and even men, still strive to boast of their culinary abilities. This is an important topic for many.

Arrange a festive table with dishes prepared by the participants of the themed party. And it doesn’t matter what the team members prepare: dessert or main course. The main thing is to appreciate the person’s efforts and present an incentive award.

Let the serving of culinary delights be accompanied by the script of a famous film. With such a tempting idea, New Year 2020 will be truly fun and unforgettable! Only positive emotions and impressions will remain in your soul.

Indoor decor: ideas for a masquerade ball

What is a masquerade? This is to be able to pass off wishful thinking :). This means you need to try to create an atmosphere that is unusual for you and your guests.

Let the main decorations of the premises be feathers, beads, mirrors and lights. Of course, we shouldn’t forget about the main attribute of the holiday – masks! You can draw them and add them wherever your heart desires!

By the way, a great idea would be to decorate the rooms in a single color style. This will not only make the task of decorating easier, but will also save you from the problem of combining colors and shades!

Don’t forget about elegant and at the same time chic table setting!

And, of course, how can you have a masquerade without a chic table? It is best to choose not a banquet menu, but a buffet table format. This will allow guests to move around the restaurant or home and find time to communicate with friends and colleagues.

A delicious and themed cake can also be the highlight of your evening!

POKER NIGHT

• PARTY THEME:

Play all night with chips (so you don't lose all your hard earned money for the year) and become a poker champion. And whoever wins the jackpot will have good luck for the whole next year - it’s been verified!

• HOW TO DECORATE A ROOM:

First, take care of your chips and playing cards. And of course, prepare the place for the game itself. You can get creative and decorate the room in Las Vegas style - multi-colored lights (garlands), an imitation casino and a bar counter with drinks. A photo zone and garlands can be made from playing cards, and they can also be used to decorate the buffet table.

• WHAT TO WEAR:

You can wear pantsuits, white shirts and stick to the classic “office” style. Fashionistas will also suit fitted dresses in trendy colors - burgundy, deep dark green, emerald or marsala. Well, a “classic of the genre” - a luxurious red or little black dress.

• WHAT TO COOK:

Players need something to “chew” at the table. Pour chips, nuts, crackers or snacks into bowls. You can cook chicken nuggets or deep-fried onions. And don't forget about drinks. Poker fans may enjoy whiskey, cognac or good brandy.

You can make a themed candy bar: cakes with playing cards and a “Casino” style cake.

Entertainment

When looking for interesting entertainment, pay attention to the games and competitions that we have selected for you here.

Asking the question “How to organize a masquerade ball?” think about what holiday you would like to attend. After all, a corporate masquerade or a masquerade at home should in any case be fun, lively and leave a sea of ​​positive photos! That’s why it’s best to ensure that your guests take the time to take photos in a magical photo booth, which should be placed in one of the areas of the room!

To ensure that the mood of your guests is always at its best, it is necessary that the music for the masquerade ball is also carefully thought out and selected. You can use our selection posted here and make your holiday even more unforgettable!

Still have questions about how to make a costumed masquerade ball in honor of the New Year? Here you will find all the answers you need!

Disco 90s

Many company employees in their youth and youth visited their favorite discos of the 90s, where first acquaintances took place and first feelings were born. Each of them feels a sense of nostalgia when watching the performance of the idols of those years on television. Indeed, the stage was at its height back then. The gentle and rhythmic sounds of music added a charge of energy and vivacity.

Let them remember the days of their youth and let guests plunge into the past, where they were full of hope for a carefree future. Well, if you manage to invite any popular and beloved singer, then the theme party will create a real sensation for the New Year 2020. Be sure to use the idea we propose, unless, of course, your company is against it.

Theme party idea - masquerade ball

The idea of ​​a masquerade ball has made the heart beat faster and the blood flow in the veins since the 16th century. Some smart (or too much in love) Frenchman came up with the idea of ​​wearing a mask to the royal ball. A little later, the mask became a symbol of equality between rich and poor, smart and stupid, men and women. Only colorful birds without gender, age, or even, sometimes, voice took part in the masquerade It was an ideal environment for treacherous intrigue, gossip, and, of course, forbidden love. And yet, the man in the mask could allow himself to be different. For some, the mask helped them overcome their complexes, while for others, on the contrary, it allowed them to carefully hide their depraved essence. The true “I” remained somewhere there, in the light of midday. In the twilight of the masquerade ballroom, a new man was born, who wrote his own, mysterious story. So what will be the mysterious story of your holiday? Let's start planning the party!

PREPARATION FOR THE PARTY BALL - MASQUERADE

Choosing a masquerade theme

masquerade theme depends on several factors. First of all, your general vision of the holiday and preferences. Here are some tried and tested suggestions:

Mardi Gras

(themed masquerade for admirers of bright flowers and colors, feathers, wild fun and dancing)

Phantom of the Opera

(a more subdued celebration in the spirit of Victorian grandeur, with classical music and drama to match the theme)

Aristocratic ball of the 18th century

(a luxurious event, the main emphasis of which is the pomp of outfits, a lot of precious jewelry, delicious food)

Old Hollywood

(the world of glamor of a socialite, whose representatives coquettishly cover their eyes with an exquisite mask)

In addition, the choice of masquerade can be influenced by the location of the holiday (for a Victorian ball, you need to rent a large dance hall, and for Old Hollywood, a modest living room of your home will suffice). And, of course, the budget. If, for example, “Hollywood” and “The Phantom of the Opera” are low-budget events, then for “Mardi Gras” and “Aristocratic Ball” you will have to fork out a lot.

Invitations to the ball - masquerade

Once we have decided on the theme, we begin to invite guests. The dominant symbol for any holiday theme in the spirit of masquerade is, of course, the mask .

The front side of this stylish invitation card uses the idea of ​​Venetian boudoirs. The walls are painted with gold, flowers flickering in the light of candelabra, expensive, sophisticated fabrics...

This option is simpler and more economical. We cut out the base mask from thick paper (cardboard) and decorate it using available materials. Instead of serpentine (or together with it), you can use aerosol silver glitter based on glue or metallized large “peas” of confetti. The text of the invitation is formulated arbitrarily. It is important to indicate the date, time, theme of the holiday, location, dress code, and timing of RSVP information.

Dresses for masquerade balls

There's nothing worse than a themed party with guests who ignored the dress code line. A masquerade without costumes is doomed to failure from the start. Three simple rules will help you avoid awkwardness, embarrassment and spoiled mood:

I. Invitation cards must be given to all guests at least two weeks before the event;

II. Raise the issue of the dress code clearly, loudly and categorically.

Try to explain to your guests that their fabulous costumes will bring the theme of the party to life, that during the Renaissance, masquerades were held only for a select few, the elite of society, and finally, announce a competition for the best carnival costume (with a subsequent reward for the winner).

III. Prepare spare masks for those guests who suffer from “hearing defects” or are too pragmatic in nature to feel the whole deep philosophy of the future holiday.

A spare mask , along with strict instructions: men in tails, women in evening dresses, is quite capable of saving a masquerade ball that may be on the verge of failure.

And if guests add a little zest to the outfit - shoes in the style of the bright birds of Rio - you will get a wonderful masquerade dress.

A costume for a masquerade ball can be either a carefully thought-out pompous outfit or some kind of humorous image with erotic overtones.

Men, depending on the theme of the holiday, can come either in a formal tailcoat with a bow tie, or in the costume of a cheeky pirate in a cocked hat, or Zorro.

Masks for party ball - masquerade

An excellent solution for an expensive ball in the spirit of the Middle Ages would be such plaster-based mask

You can make it at home using a few available tools and artistic talent. For one mask you will need: 20 strips of medical plaster on a gauze base (2.5 cm wide and 4 cm long), fatty cream, water. Lubricate your face with cream (to avoid irritation and allergic reactions), apply plaster strips soaked in water. Let the plaster dry on your face. Use a sharp knife to shape the finished print into the desired shape. And then - give free rein to your creativity and imagination.

A simpler option is fabric goggle mask Guipure, pearls, rhinestones, leather are just a small part of the tools that can make a woman’s look from under a mask mysterious, enigmatic, perfect.

And the most basic version of the mask is a guipure blindfold. Mystery, expression, charisma - these are just a few words from the galaxy of those that you will hear thanks to the mask addressed to you at the party.

Decor for a masquerade ball

The ideal place for a masquerade ball will be a Renaissance dance hall. Tapestries, paintings, candelabra with candles, bulky carved furniture... Unfortunately, there are no more than a dozen of these left in the world, and even those are museums. What to do? Take your (or rented) home back in time several centuries!

Venice Carnival: history and traditions

The Venice Carnival is a costume festival held annually in February in Venice. Mysterious ladies in luxurious dresses and lace half-masks, gentlemen in bautas, processions and parades, street performances and music... Today, the carnival in Venice follows prescribed rules and has a certain theme, but several centuries ago it was a real riot of excitement and flirtation.

Venice Carnival - luxurious, enchanting, mysterious Sometimes you really want to remain unrecognized, hide your face under a mask, throw away all prejudices and be exposed to emotions. The Venice Carnival, which takes place annually in Italy, gives us such an opportunity. The grandiose enchanting performance turns Venice into a kind of theatrical production in which everyone plays their role. Half a million tourists come here every year in search of freedom, drive and magic. Two weeks of a real fairy tale, many pleasant impressions and priceless memories.

Carnival in Venice is one of the most anticipated events of the year, both for the residents of this ancient city and for tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world. During the period of celebration, serene Venice gets rid of any responsibilities and prejudices, turning into one of the freest (in all respects) places on earth. History of the Venice Carnival

The history of Carnevale di Venezia takes us back to the times of Ancient Rome

, to the annual Saturnalia - pagan festivals in honor of the god Saturn (patron of agriculture), which were celebrated in December after the harvest during the winter solstice and were accompanied by mass festivities. Only during the period of Saturnalia did everyone become equal to each other, any prohibitions and prejudices were lifted, even slaves had fun on equal terms with their masters. And in order to feel comfortable and remain incognito, people wore masks that completely hid their faces. Thus, no one knew whether the man in front of him was a slave or a noble master. You could do whatever you wanted, regardless of rank and position in society. In Ancient Rome, the mask was faceless and the same for everyone.

With the advent of Christian traditions, the holiday changed a little

– now no one disturbed the ancient Roman pantheon of gods. The holiday was no longer dedicated to the gods, people just wanted to have fun at a holiday where almost everything was allowed. The indispensable attributes of the holiday - the mask, and with it the carnival costume - remained unchanged. But the date of the holiday has shifted a little. The carnival began to be held towards the end of winter, in the days preceding the beginning of Lent. There was a time when the Venice Carnival began on the second day of Christmas - that is, on St. Stephen's Day according to the Gregorian calendar (December 26). The carnival lasted until the Tuesday before Lent, which always begins on Wednesday in the Catholic Church. This day is sometimes called "Fat Tuesday." Although there are other versions of the chronology of the carnival: for example, from the statements of many historians and contemporaries of the Baroque era, it is clear that it did not actually end. Breaks occurred only during fasting and, in fact, harvesting. Already in October, the carnival fun began again!

About when exactly the first Venetian carnival took place

, there are also many versions.
1)
In 1094, the Venetian Republic received, under an agreement with Byzantium, houses in Constantinople and additional taxation privileges, which gave it enormous advantages for Mediterranean trade.
The celebration of this event may have been the first Venetian carnival. 2)
According to another version, the first Venetian carnival was held in 998, when young residents of Venice returned their brides, kidnapped by Croatian pirates.
3)
The third version says that the first Venetian carnival took place only in 1162, in honor of the celebration of the victory of the Venetian Republic in the war against Patriarch Ulrico. The townspeople poured out in a noisy crowd into St. Mark's Square, where they indulged in feasting and fun.

In 1296, the Venetians also officially legalized the carnival

: The Senate of the Venetian Republic declared the last day before Lent a holiday. This celebration precedes Lent, like the Slavic Maslenitsa. And at the same time it is a memory of the brightest, funniest and most amazing victory over social (and any other!) stereotypes that could ever happen in medieval Europe.

It is believed that the word “carnival” itself originated

from the Latin "carne vale", meaning "farewell to meat". This is the canonical church version. The common people, the Venetians, thought differently. They translated “carnival” as follows: carrus navelis - “amusing chariot, ship of festive processions” and liked to coincide with Festa della Marie - an ancient holiday dedicated to the rescue of girls kidnapped by Istrian pirates. Modern carnivals also begin with this holiday. The twelve most beautiful girls in Venice receive prizes - the mayor's office pays for them a luxury cruise.

One thing is certain: already
in the 13th century,
the last day before the start of Lent was declared a day of celebrations and public festivities. In subsequent years, the carnival in Venice, the date of which was not constant (celebrations could begin in October, reaching its peak on the eve of Lent), acquired an incredible scope. The last week of the carnival became its main and brightest part. These days there were absolutely no rules or prohibitions; seduction, kidnapping, seduction and intrigue were allowed. Everyone walked around in masks and unusual costumes, the spouses did not recognize their halves, dates were scheduled almost every minute, and the fun and dancing continued around the clock.

Two centuries later, a fund was created in Venice to raise funds for the annual Venetian Carnival, which by that time had become an integral part of the life of Venice.
The whole city flocked to St. Mark's Square during the holiday to take part in the general Sabantuy and watch the performance. Acrobats, jesters and dancers ran out, and a magnificent fireworks display ended the performance. Over time, Venetian masks, which initially copied the pagan gods of fertility, began to change, reflecting the most important events in the lives of the townspeople, and during the Venetian carnivals the most famous achievements of the Venetians were celebrated. Thus, the theme for many subsequent Venetian carnivals was given by the great victory of the Venetian Republic in the battle with the Turks in 1571
. The echo of that feast has survived to this day, because even now a lush turban or bright wide trousers are sure to flash among the carnival crowd at San Marco.

Venetian carnivals gradually spread throughout the globe. The main attributes of any carnival were costumes and masks, designed to hide social differences and equalize everyone during the celebration. “While the carnival lasts, everyone wears masks, from the Doge to the last maid. Wearing a mask, they carry out their business, protect processes, buy fish, write, and make visits. In a mask you can say everything and dare to do anything - the mask authorized by the Republic is under its protection. You can enter everywhere disguised: into a salon, into an office, into a monastery, to a ball, into a palace, into a casino. No barriers, no titles. There is no longer a patrician in a long robe, no porter who kisses its edge, no spy, no nun, no collector, no noble lady, no inquisitor, no buffoon, no poor man, no foreigner.” According to the unwritten laws of the medieval carnival, during its period all social conventions and everyday rules of life were abolished: everyone could do whatever they wanted. In those days, commoners often hid under the masks of strict ladies and noble lords, and noble people walked around under the guise of simpletons, which gave the carnival a special intrigue. Since wealth and poverty were hidden under masks, any commoner could count on the attention of the princess, and a patrician could easily seduce a seamstress, which in ordinary life the norms of decency did not allow him to do. A shoemaker could flirt with a noble lady and vice versa. The masks carefully kept the secrets of their masters...

A strange, mystical city that looked like a magnificent scenery dictated its own rules. He demanded a special picturesque, rich, dramatic life, outside the usual established conditions. Love, passion, death - all were welcome guests at this brilliant holiday.

Some wore the mask for six months, from October to February-March

, and the mask gave people the right to remain unrecognized. But the patience of the authorities ran out, and the Church in 1608, by its official decree, prohibited the wearing of masks outside the carnival, so that no one would dare to commit unseemly acts under a mask. Those who violated the ban paid for it: men could receive a prison sentence of up to two months, and women were publicly flogged in the central square.

In the 17th century, the carnival became shorter

, but this makes it even brighter, faster and more colorful. On the square of St. Mark comedians performed puppet comedies, traveling astrologers predicted the future, acrobats twirled, ventriloquists spoke in sepulchral voices, patricians, divided into two teams, 25 players on each side, played a game reminiscent of modern football - they tried to throw a leather ball to the enemy’s side. Between the windows of the palaces, ropes were stretched along which tightrope walkers walked. A bullfight was held in the central square.

There was no time to waste, we had to enjoy every moment. Dates were set up, quarrels broke out between rivals, the eyes of beautiful Venetian women twinkled mysteriously in the slits of their masks. The happy couples set sail in pointed gondolas. The songs of gondoliers sounded over numerous canals. The air was filled with fog, excitement, love, jealousy... And all around were masks, masks, masks... They circled in an endless sparkling round dance.

Venetian masks and costumes

The main attribute of the Venice Carnival has always been and remains masks, although masks were not worn at carnivals until the 13th-14th centuries. However, this is not just an accessory that covers the face, but a whole work of art. Venetian masks are distinguished by great sophistication and craftsmanship. The secrets of their manufacture have been passed down from generation to generation, preserving the basic traditions and absorbing modern trends.

At first, masks were made from leather, fabric, or using the original papier-mâché technique. Today they continue to be made by hand, decorated with jewelry, rhinestones, feathers, jewelry, silver and gold.

Since the 15th century, special masters have been making masks

- "maschereri". These masters had a special status in society - after all, they made not just masks, but masks for the carnival. Each maschereri had several apprentices who were engaged in making facial prints - the basis of the future mask.

However, the favorite mask of the Venetians is the Mask of Bauta (Italian: Bauta)

— just not modest in a Venetian way. There are only two colors here - black and white. A white mask covering the entire face, with cutouts for the eyes, a clear protrusion for the nose and brow ridges, without an opening for the mouth. Its lower part is slightly protruding so that a person can eat and drink without revealing his face. For the white “mask” - a black cloak. This mask was adored by everyone - patricians and commoners, men and women. For simplicity and versatility. By the way, it was not only convenient to talk in it, without taking off the mask you could feast on your favorite delicacies: delicious “bear crayfish” fried in butter, lemon juice and herbs, langoustine roll with cuttlefish caviar, squid with asparagus, sea eel, which is served grilled, marinated with tomatoes in Italian Marsala wine, vinegar and parsley, baccala, cod dish, and, of course, roast duck - after all, Lent is coming soon. And the strange name “bauta” is a fictional monster, akin to our “buka” and “byaka”.

The classic masks of the Venetian carnival include,
in addition to Bauta (the simplest and most popular), Moretta (“Mute Maid”), the Venetian Lady, the Cat (The appearance of the Cat mask has a fairly simple reason: there were very few cats in Venice, and the residents of the city on the water were him of great interest and respect), Doctor Plague (derived from a real-life costume that was a tragic necessity during epidemics) and Volto (neutral "Citizen" mask).

Venetian Lady (Dama di Venezia)

– a mask personifying a refined and languid beauty. This is the image of a seductive titled Venetian lady from the time of Titian and the Cinquecento period: a magnificent dress, an abundance of jewelry, a fancy headdress or an elaborate and richly decorated hairstyle. This mask was attached with ribbons to the owners’ heads, but masks with a handle attached to the chin were also in use.

Moretta (“Dark-skinned girl” from Italian “la moretta”, “Mute maid” from Italian “servetta muta”)

- a women's round or slightly oval mask made of black velvet (occasionally it was supplemented with a lace ribbon over the eyes). She came to Venice from France. The name of this mask (according to one version) comes from the word “Moor”, which in the Venetian dialect means black. The mask does not have a mouth or straps for fastening. It is held on the face by an internal pin, which the owner clamps between her teeth, which makes it impossible for her to speak. Casanova extolled this taciturnity as dignity, seductiveness, an alluring mystery: a woman without a face, a voice and responds only with sign language. And it is precisely this subtext that is reflected in the everyday names of this mask, which can be translated as “The Delight of Husbands” and “Mask of Family Well-Being.” However, in truth, one can only envy the Venetian women - at all times they lived quite freely and were allowed a lot. In addition, according to eyewitnesses, the black color of the mask perfectly emphasized the noble pallor of the face, which was especially valued in the high society of those times.

Modern morettas are rare and are made exclusively to order.

Plague Doctor (Medico della Peste, English plague doctor, German Pestarzt, Italian physici epidemeie)

- one of the most famous and most terrible masks, with a long curved nose, like a beak. It was invented by the French doctor Charles de Lorme to protect against bacteria. During the plague epidemic, doctors wore such a mask when visiting patients. Disinfecting salts and plants that emit aromatic oils: rosemary, garlic, juniper, etc., which were supposed to protect against infection by disease, were placed in the long nose. In the Middle Ages, the very appearance of the “Plague Doctor” terrified the inhabitants of European cities, because it meant only one thing - the arrival of inexorable Death. All this was so terrible and inescapable that when the plague began to visit cities less often, people needed to ridicule and transform the frightening image of the plague doctor. And the old sad image of the messenger of death, which did not fit in with the joy of Carnival, over time transformed into its antipode. And the good “Plague Doctor”, due to the brightness and memorability of his image, became one of the most popular Venetian masks.

Volto

– This mask is also known as Citizen. Because of its spaciousness and neutrality, ordinary townspeople loved to wear it. This is the most “faceless” of all masks, repeating the oval of an ordinary human face without any features or special features. Due to the simplicity of the oval and the type of fastener, this mask is similar to the Venetian Lady, that is, it was attached to the head with ribbons or had a handle on the chin. Initially, the mask was white or gold in color, without any decorations. Relatively recently, Volto's mask began to be decorated with paintings, stones, cords, sparkles and fabrics.

Cat (Gatto)

- the only animalistic mask at the holidays in Venice, which gained enormous popularity. For a long time, cats in Venice were valued in gold - for a good mousecatcher they would give as much gold as the cat itself weighed. There is much evidence of the Venetians' love for cats. The Englishman John Locke, who served as a sailor in 1553 on a Venetian ship, wrote about this. He witnessed a ship’s cat fall overboard and made the following entry in his diary: “Having fallen overboard, the cat tried to stay afloat, and our captain, as soon as he learned about what had happened, ordered a boat with six sailors to be sent after her... It’s hard to believe that they would be so quick to rescue if one of the crew were overboard.”

Joker (Jester, Jester, Fool, Buffon, Bufon, Narr or Naaror, Juglar, female - Joly, Jolli)

- this image lives on the border between classical masks and images from the commedia dell'arte. All cultures have the image of a cheerful adventurer, a deceiver. He was sometimes a god, sometimes a court jester, sometimes a beggar in rags. The jester could ridicule any courtier, including the king himself, and remain unpunished. Bufon was considered the symbolic opposite twin of the ruler (like Yin and Yang) and said what even the most powerful of this world were afraid to say. Jokers usually wore costumes made from a variety of brightly colored scraps. The famous three-tailed headdresses with bells at the ends symbolized the ears and tail of a donkey, which has long been an iconic symbol of jesters. Other highlights of the Joker's look included his constant laughter and the fake scepter, also known as a bouble or marotte.

In the 18th century, the main characters of the Venetian carnival were the heroes of the Italian comedy Del Arte:

Hundreds and thousands of Harlequins, Pierrot, Pantalone, Pulcinello, Pedrolino, Zanni, Brighell appeared on the streets, and the lovely Columbine became the face, or rather the mask, of the carnival

Columbine mask

does not completely cover the face, leaving the lips open. Often decorated with gold, silver, crystal and feathers. At first, the mask was part of the image of the actress Columbine in the commedia dell'arte. According to legend, the woman was so beautiful that she did not want to hide her entire face, so this mask was created just for her. Subsequently, it became very popular because it was convenient to eat and kiss in it.

At the same time, a tradition arose and has survived to this day on the first day of the carnival to lower a mechanical dove, Columbina, from the bell tower over St. Mark's Square, from which confetti falls. A shower of confetti marks the official start of the carnival. Immediately after this comes a time of unbridled fun.

Carnival was celebrated not only by wealthy Venetian nobles, giving masquerade balls in luxurious palaces. During the reign of the Venetian doges, the festive action took place in three city quarters - Piazzetta, Riva de' Schiavoni, and the main events took place in St. Mark's Square. Ordinary people also had fun in the streets and squares. Acrobats, jugglers, dancers, magicians, street musicians, trained predators brought from distant countries performed everywhere - it seemed as if a multi-colored river was flowing through the streets of Venice. In mobile shops you could buy all kinds of sweets or just refresh yourself. During the masquerade, there was a brisk trade in dried fruits, roasted chestnuts and sweets, and goods were offered not only by the Venetians themselves, but also by traders from overseas countries who specially came to Venice during the carnival days.

Since the 18th century, thanks to the great popularity of the holiday in Europe and the exploits of the famous adventurer and tempter Giacomo Casanova

Costumes for the carnival have become more varied and brighter. “I hid under clothes and a clown mask. My thoughts, intentions, actions are unexpected. I can constantly transform myself and do with laughter what may seem forbidden or obscene to many. To love without loving...,” Giacomo Casanova wrote about the carnival.

The 18th century was the era of the greatest prosperity of the Venetian carnival

throughout history. The 18th century means dancing in squares, luxurious carnival costumes embroidered with gold and decorated with precious stones, which become examples of haute couture. The uncontrollable spirit of flirtation and betrayal, the feeling of complete freedom and the expectation of exciting adventures attracted the aristocracy from all over Europe to this masquerade. The fame and popularity of the carnival were so high that even high-ranking people did not consider it shameful to take part in the boundless fun incognito. During the carnival, everything was subject to the Venetian mask. Wearing masks not only had fun, but also went to services and shopping, to theaters and on dates. The mask abolished all norms of behavior, and on carnival days and nights, when the Catholic Church shyly averted its gaze from the Venetian streets, it was considered bad form not to commit a fall under its cover.

Back then, almost everything was allowed during the carnival. In the whirlpool of celebration, forbidden manifestations of passion and minor mistakes became accessible. Rich people in excitement spent crazy amounts of money in gambling houses; some married couples, without hesitation, cheated on their husbands and wives. Counts became jesters, servants became kings, kings became poor, and well-mannered and polite princesses became seductive courtesans. Everything was easy and simple, because the face was covered by a mask. During the carnival, almost everyone wore them, even in church and at home. However, such open celebrations did not last long.

It’s a fact that after prosperity there is always a decline. And even the Venetian carnival could not avoid this bitter fate. In 1797, French troops occupied Italy, and Venetian carnivals were banned by Napoleon's decree.

Napoleon Bonaparte, being an ardent opponent of carnivals and public games, banned these outrages.

But Venice could not and did not want to say goodbye forever to the holiday, which for several centuries was the soul of the city. Oddly enough, its revival began with a banal commercial calculation. After the Second World War, Venice became one of the main tourist centers in Europe. Many new hotels, cafes and restaurants opened in the city, but it soon became clear that they had been idle almost the entire winter. And then in the late 70s the idea arose to revive the legendary carnival. It was only in 1979 that the Italian government announced the resumption of annual carnivals

, choosing this event as a means to popularize the history and culture of Venice.

Since then, every year at the very end of winter, Venice is again filled with a wave of visitors, who become several times more numerous than the Venetians themselves. The cheerful and reckless spirit of the carnival, which had languished in oblivion for almost two centuries, once free, quickly regained its lost glory.

This colorful festival in masks became the “trademark” of Venice, and carnival lovers already spoke a variety of languages ​​and dialects. Art, literature, theater, and then cinema made full use of carnival images - as they continue to use them with pleasure even now.

In modern Italy

The carnival is celebrated for ten days; the celebration usually occurs in February.
The grand opening of the carnival always falls on Sunday
, but since Saturday a huge number of tourists have been roaming the streets of the city.
The solemn event begins with the medieval holiday Festa delle Marie
, dedicated to the liberation of beautiful Venetian women. The procession runs from the Palazzo San Pietro to Piazza San Marco, where the Maries (the twelve beauties of Venice) appear before the audience.

“Angel’s Flight” next year.

and at noon flies over the crowd from the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Marco in a snow-white dress (according to tradition), straight to the main square of Venice.

And then the carnival spreads to St. Mark's Square and other squares, where concerts, performances, performances and masquerade balls are held. After the resumption of tradition, the carnival is made themed

, devoting it either to outstanding persons, or to the cultures of other peoples, or to travel to other countries. Several years ago it was dedicated to Fellini, and there was also a carnival “Travel and Travelers”, “The East and Its Culture”, etc. All performances of the Venice Carnival in Italy, as well as the costumes of the main characters and heroes, followed the theme of the holiday. 2014's theme was nature, 2015's theme was delicious food, and 2021's theme was Arts and Crafts.

In 1996, the Venice Carnival even had its own anthem.

, in the creation of which the world-famous couturier Pierre Cardin, a native of the Venice region, was involved.

The beauty of Carnevale di Venezia is that it is an open event, accessible to tourists from any country. Anyone can try on an 18th or 19th century costume and join the noisy crowd of celebrants. A mandatory condition is wearing a bauta (a special carnival mask); without it, the holiday is not considered a holiday. Entertainment includes: parades, musical and theatrical performances, commedia dell'arte performances, competitions, balls, performances by the best creative groups in Italy, magicians, jugglers, mimes, clowns and acrobats, tournaments, ancient games and, of course, bright fireworks.

A few days before the official opening of the carnival

Romantics from all over Europe come to the city, and crowded processions of orchestras and street theaters begin to walk through the streets: the marchers are fooling around, blowing trumpets and beating drums, yelling songs, setting off firecrackers - in a word, they are depicting this very carnival in every possible way. Merchants put mountains of carnival products on their shelves: masks, raincoats, caps - now everyone can become a full participant in the upcoming carnival. The theme of the holiday is announced in advance. On the day of the official opening of the holiday, performances of the Commedia dell'Arte are held in St. Mark's Square: the heirs of the great Scaramouche diligently slap the Captain and the Doctor. Then tons of confetti fall onto the square, and thousands of balloons are launched into the sky. This is how the carnival begins. People wearing expensive masks and exquisite costumes take turns taking the stage.

Preparing for the main celebration in your hometown

, the residents of Venice carefully and for a long time choose their costumes. At the holiday you can transform into anyone, so individual outfits are real works of art. Tourists do not always have the opportunity to prepare for the carnival with the same care and bring their own costume with them, but this is not a problem. On the eve of the celebration, traditional costumes, masks and attributes are freely sold on every corner. They are made from fur, brocade or velvet. True, the costumes are quite expensive, but participation in the carnival program as a mask is worth the fork.

Masks are being made

from special types of plaster, papier-mâché, paints, fabrics, foil, and various decorative materials. Decorating and painting a real Venetian mask is painstaking handwork. Craftsmen use both simple and very valuable components for this - soil, gold leaf, natural bird feathers and precious stones. One of the most important events of the carnival is the competition for the best mask.

The classic Venetian costume is considered

a white mask complemented by a black wide cloak, a silk cape, a triangular hat and gloves. It is also necessary to remember that when the carnival in Venice gains its scope, costumes and masks must be worn according to the rules. That is, while wearing a carnival costume and mask, you cannot speak any language; you can only express yourself using gestures.

They celebrate in Venice not only in the squares and streets of the city, but also in luxurious palazzos

where royal carnival balls are held

Similar celebrations are held at Palazzo Pisani Moretta and Casino of Venice, however, to get inside, you must wear a suit, a mask and take care of the invitation in advance.

If it is not possible to purchase a suit and mask

, don't be upset. For ordinary spectators and guests of the city, there are a huge number of other festivities where you can unwind your soul and please your eyes. In addition, if you are left without a mask, you can safely drink wine and enjoy carnival fritelli donuts. You certainly won't be able to enjoy them in a suit.

The Venice Carnival these days is carnival freedom, days of theater, music and street food. February 16

there is a boat procession along the Grand Canal, competitions of traditional clothes and masks, costume balls and historical reconstructions, and near the church of San Giacomo dell'Orio, representatives of Italian companies treat everyone to traditional Venetian sweets and drinks.

In addition to traditional entertainment, an integral part of the Venetian carnival is a football match, which usually takes place on the fifth day of fun. The Venetians are confident that this sport was born in their city, and during the holiday they organize a real reconstruction of medieval football.

The carnival ends

burning of the effigy and general dancing in St. Mark's Square. The last day of the carnival is Fat Tuesday, followed by a forty-day fast before Easter. The closing of the carnival is marked by another "flying" show - this is the "Flight of the Lion", the winged symbol of Venice and the symbol of the main Christian patron of the city, the Evangelist Mark. The next day the city falls asleep, only to explode again a year later for ten days with a fountain of fun and swirl its guests in the stormy flow of the carnival.

PROGRESS OF THE PARTY BALL - MASQUERADE (SCENARIO)

Fun at a masquerade

Of course, the main activity at a masquerade ball is dancing. Classic (if you are at a French or Italian court), fiery Latin (if you are at a vibrant carnival). It would be nice if one of the guests gave the birthday boy an unusual gift - invited a ballroom dancing instructor for a festive master class.

You can also play with the idea of ​​dance cards at your party. Remember, at the court of Louis 14, the lady danced the following dance with the gentleman whose name was on her card. You can also experiment with the dance card, and enter not the real names of your guests, but the names of the characters in which they reincarnated.

Voting for the best costume

A mandatory competition that needs to be held among your guests if they came to the holiday in fancy dress and carefully worked on their image. Arrange a secret vote (by installing a box for notes with votes in the hallway), or an explicit one (by counting the loudest applause for one or another hero of the evening). And reward the winner with a prize.

Heroes from fairy tales

The symbol of the coming year, the Rat, has itself repeatedly become the main character of fairy tales. This means that such a topic will definitely please him. And who hasn’t dreamed of turning into a princess or a prince from a fairy tale, at least for one night?

Where to celebrate?

An apartment with a chic interior is best. You can also rent a hall with the decor you need. Your task is to be in a place that resembles an ancient luxurious castle. More candles, paintings, natural wood furniture, gilding.

What to serve?

Fictional characters don't eat! However, celebrating the New Year on an empty stomach is not an option. Prepare a buffet of delicious appetizers. More canapés and beautiful desserts. If possible, call a decorator who will beautifully style your holiday table.

What to wear?

You are unlikely to be able to make the perfect suit yourself. And such a themed outfit for the New Year will take a lot of time. The easiest way is to rent a fairy tale costume from a special service. If you still decide to make a costume at home, then choose simpler images: for example, a pirate or a fairy.

How to have fun?

You can organize a competition for the best costume in the format of a small theatrical performance in which all the fairy-tale characters will take part. Buy, for example, shields and swords for comic games.

This theme party will appeal to many people. With its help, you can turn into your favorite fairy tale hero for one night. You can organize a holiday in an apartment with a luxurious interior. Renting a hall is also suitable. It is important that the interior decoration resembles an ancient castle. Required elements are:

• Candles;
• Paintings;
• Gilding.

It is advisable to prepare a buffet for guests, which will include delicious snacks. Perfect for canapés and desserts. If you wish, you can call a decorator who will style the festive table.

Making an original costume for your favorite fairy-tale hero is not so easy. Therefore, it is better to rent it. And if you create a costume on your own, then you should choose simpler images - pirates or fairies.

A contest for the best costume will make the party more interesting. It is advisable to organize it in the form of an interesting performance in which everyone will participate.

New Year's masquerade ball - a ready-made script for high school students

The school organizes not only parties for children, but also for high school students. However, this category requires a special approach. After all, high school students are no longer children, they are people who consider themselves adults. To interest them, you need something completely special, with a twist. That is why a masquerade ball is offered as a New Year's celebration. This will be interesting to high school students for many reasons. First of all, dancing, which young people love very much at all times .

The very principle of being at the ball is that faces are covered with masks, which promotes relaxation and a free atmosphere . In addition, there will also be many good humorous competitions that will maintain the holiday atmosphere. The scenario of this New Year's masquerade ball can be successfully used for young children, and, conversely, for young people - students.

Hollywood

Another interesting and little-studied idea for a themed party for New Year 2021 is a Hollywood film. Choose a genre that will appeal to everyone without exception. For example, a legendary painting about the Christmas bell or Santa Claus will captivate all guests into the festive circle. The nostalgic notes of old and favorite films will make vacationers smile, regardless of age.

As gifts, you can give out Oscar or Grammy Award figurines. Of course, there must be something more significant in the envelope than first place among colleagues. For example, a bonus or an incentive surprise. But this is not the end of the Hollywood theme.

Small miniature performances performed by those present will be real fun. Rest assured, pre-thought-out ideas for mini-performances will delight the guests, and each of them will be prepared with special zeal. Who among us has not wanted to become a screen star?

General plan of the event

Some points must be agreed upon in advance. This applies to both preparing the event itself and notifying guests. Even though the participants will most likely know each other (it is unlikely that the ball will involve the presence of students from different schools), all basic rules must be followed. This will help create the atmosphere of mystery of a real masquerade ball.

Participants

• Hostess of the ball.
• The presenter is her assistant.
• Father Frost.
• Mag.
• A group of Snowflakes-stewards.
• High school students.

Rough plan

The entire event is divided into three blocks, the main part of which will, of course, be dancing. The first is the greeting and introductory part, without which not a single holiday is complete. The second is the main part. It lasts approximately half of the total time allotted for the ball. The third is essentially the end of the masquerade. However, there will also be games and mandatory dancing.

Decorations and accessories

Everyone present at the ball must wear a mask . Organizers need to ensure that there is a significant supply of these necessary accessories. A decorated Christmas tree is required (a temporary podium can be arranged). You also need a chair with a high back, decorated like a royal throne .

First block

There is a way to make an event interesting before it even starts. To do this, you just need to prepare invitations and hand them to each prospective guest. The initiative group undertakes the preparation, and even teachers can do the distribution before lessons. You can also entrust this to the prefects or student committee.

Meeting with guests

At the entrance to the hall, visitors are greeted by snowflakes-stewards . Those guests whose faces are exposed will be given a mask. The girls have a special “palace scroll” - a notebook where they write down the names, titles and achievements of the guests. Of course, all this must be fictional. The guys also come up with achievements themselves. It can be anything. For example, someone remembers the fairy tale “About the Snow Queen” by heart, and someone has a medal for first place in the New Year’s sprint race. It is through this scroll that guests will be introduced to the Hostess of the ball.

Declaring the Rules

After all the guests have gathered, the presenter, the chamberlain, who is also the Queen’s assistant, or the presenter, who can be the main maid of honor, appears on the improvised stage. The presenter asks for silence and reads out the “Rules,” which everyone in this room must strictly observe. After which he expresses gratitude for coming to the holiday. The rules boil down to the fact that guests must be in a good mood, participate in all games and be sure to dance. All negative emotions, refusal to have fun and participate in the offered entertainment, and removal of masks are prohibited. Those who do not follow the rules may be punished by the Queen herself. Punishment - solo dance, song, any performance.

Reggae New Year's Party

An excellent idea would be to hold a themed party for the New Year 2021 in the reggae style. Of course, this option is more like a youth option, since African-American music will sound from everywhere, for example, the legendary performer Bob Marley, or something in this more modern spirit. Choose bright suits in the form of hanging wide pants, loose shirts and, most importantly, colorful berets, like the Rastafarians.

Don't forget Rasta dreadlocks (small braids or wigs are acceptable), beard or stubble. For a more appropriate look, it is advisable to purchase cigars. They should be an additional attribute for men. Pendants with metal pendants, leather bracelets, round glasses are also an integral norm. As for girls, they can use long or short dresses with a wide or tight cut, tailored to order, but always in colors reminiscent of reggae style.

A knitted or fabric headband, jewelry, dreadlocks or braids - all this should be unconditional. Rhythmic, incendiary dances to musical hits or the sound of a guitar (it would be a good idea to first learn them at home or somewhere in specialized lessons), dishes that look like an African-American feast, songs, as well as funny competitions with a comic ending will perfectly diversify your gala evening.

Second block

The main part, which is filled with jokes, fun, music and movement. Only at certain moments will guests have the opportunity to sit down.

Arrival of the hostess of the ball - the Snow Queen

When the music fades away, the host re-enters the stage and announces that the Snow Queen herself will now arrive. This is a bit of an eccentric person. She came from a real fairy tale by Andersen, and therefore the order in her palace is a little old-fashioned. The Queen cannot be contradicted and so on. Fanfares sound and the queen enters the hall, accompanied by her retinue (the same Snowflakes). She walks through the line of guests, smiles and even nods at some. It is advisable to insert some phrases. For example, “Oh, what a wonderful Mask!” or “Knight, I don’t know you yet.” Unobtrusive music plays all this time.

Meeting the hostess

When the hostess of the ball takes her throne, she tells the assistant to introduce her to the guests with the announcement of all titles and titles, and also expresses a desire to meet the guests themselves. The Queen's performance must be magnificent and beautiful. At this time, she herself performs several steps, and her snowflake maids of honor perform a prepared dance. When it’s time to meet the participants, the host takes out the already familiar “palace scroll” and from it begins to read out all the information about each guest that was said at the entrance. When the name is announced, its owner stands and bows to the Queen.

Medley dances with competitions

After meeting, the hostess says that she is a little tired, because there are so many guests today. Therefore, they are obliged to entertain her. As entertainment, several competitions are announced in a row.

• Medley dancing . Everyone or just a group of guys can participate. The essence of the competition is to adapt your movements as naturally as possible to the music that will be offered. To do this, they play a “cut” of very different songs - youth and fast, slow and classical dance melodies.
• Classic . Only those who are familiar with the movements of famous dances are called upon - cancan, waltz, tango, and so on. The winner is the couple that performs best.

Performance by a visiting magician

A short respite for the guests comes when, after the competitions, the host asks everyone to sit down and respect the visiting magician from distant countries, who specially came to congratulate the Queen and her guests on the New Year's holiday, revered throughout the world. The magician demonstrates his many skills - shows tricks. He receives well-deserved applause, the approval of the Mistress and promises to come exactly a year later to the next holiday with new spells.

Dance time

When the magician leaves, the Queen reminds that the venerable public was invited not just to a masquerade, but to a real ball, so everyone must dance. The music starts playing, the lights become dim and dancing time begins. After each melody, the host announces what or who it is dedicated to. In addition, he can announce “white” or some other dance.

Third block

The holiday is gradually moving towards its end. Here everyone remembers that they have gathered on the occasion of the New Year and congratulations are heard.

Arrival of the Snow King - Father Frost

The music stops and the host says that another late guest, whom everyone has already been waiting for, is about to arrive. He talks about being called by different names depending on where exactly he comes - Santa Claus, Mikalaus, Papa Noel, Youllu-pukki and so on. In our country, everyone knows him under the name of Father Frost. The King of Winter enters the hall and loudly greets everyone. He says that he will not stay here for long, because he is expected at many more balls and holidays.

New Year's quiz

One of the final competitions is a quiz proposed by Santa Claus. There should be 13 blocks, each of which has the same number of questions. Accordingly, there will be 12 participants, and the 13th block is intended to determine the winner if someone has the same number of correct answers. The questions should be simple. For example, which month is the smallest, but not in length (May) or whether it is possible to bring water in a sieve (you can carry frozen water - ice) and so on. Ideally, there should be 12 winners who receive small souvenir gifts. It could be a horseshoe for luck, a doll, a car, mittens, etc.

Congratulations on the holiday

After the quiz, the Winter King and the Snow Queen congratulate all guests on the upcoming holidays, wish them many interesting and unusual things in the New Year, fulfillment of wishes, successful completion of their studies, and so on.

NEW YEAR IN HAWAII

• PARTY THEME:

If you adore summer and January 1st is just another day of winter for you, which only means that you have at least four more months to wait for warmth and summer sun, then put on a swimsuit and go to Hawaii!

And if you can't go to Hawaii, let Hawaii come to you. Throw yourself a New Year's Eve party in Hawaii - light dresses and shorts, cocktails and fresh juices, and a palm tree instead of a Christmas tree - this is what you need. The main thing is to heat the room in advance - so that it is not +5 in your Hawaii. And for special “heat lovers”, such a party can even be held in a sauna - you definitely won’t freeze there.

• HOW TO DECORATE A ROOM:

Forget the Christmas tree. Only palm trees grow in Hawaii! Of course, you are unlikely to be able to buy a live palm tree (unless you have a fairy godmother who fulfills all your wishes), but making a palm tree with your own hands from cardboard, branches and leaves is quite possible - as they say, Google will help. Decorate your palm tree with garlands, and if the interior allows, you can even take care of real sand.

You can make a photo booth out of seashells and seashells, or print a poster with an ocean view. Don’t forget about bright garlands of flowers - both for yourself and guests, and for room decor.

• WHAT TO WEAR:

It is dangerous to walk around the room in swimsuits in winter - neighbors who come to wish you a Happy New Year may think something wrong. But light dresses, shorts and T-shirts are quite suitable for such a “summer” party.

• WHAT TO COOK:

The festive table should correspond to the general theme: bananas, coconuts, pineapples, oranges and (where would the New Year be without them) tangerines - any fresh fruit will come in handy. Drinks include cocktails and fresh juices, decorated with umbrellas and bright straws. Light snacks made from fish or vegetables will also come in handy.

Well, where would we be without sweets - surf-shaped gingerbread, pineapple donuts and flamingo cake - and your party is a success!