Best of European Union » costumes

Carnival of Venice, Italy – starting 25 February 2011 – 9 March 2011

Julius — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:18:33 +0000

The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the oldest festivals in Italy (began in the 15th century, but the tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 14th century) and it is also the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice.

During the Carnival of Venice there are lots of people from all over the world in Venice, so you need to be prepared for the queues at the refreshment stalls. Right in the heart of Venice, you will not find any benches. They are only in front of the restaurants, where you have to order something. This is why the people sit everywhere. However, not far from the center of Venice, there is a park with benches where you can rest. The park is open till 19:00.

If you walk around Venice, you’ll meet a mask on every street corner. Some of them are very interesting but also very expensive. Domestic conceived the carnival as their holiday, so you can even meet married couples, who were dressed in festive costumes. There are also many artists who can paint the mask directly on your face and it is really very nice and funny to watch such an artist at work. Also there are many foreigners who come here to show their costumes as well.

There is a competition for the best mask. These masks will then walk through the stage.

In 2011 Carnival of Venice starts on Friday 25.2.2011 (21:30 – 1:00) with Carnival Moon Dancing and finish on 9.3.2011 at 01:00am.

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Segesta – ancient town in Sicily, Italy

Julius — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:26:41 +0000

Segesta is a town located in the northwestern part of Sicily, in the province of Trapani, approximately 70km southwest of Palermo. It is former center of Elymian people – one of the three indigenous peoples of Sicily. They built Doric temple here in the 5th century BC at the edge of a deep canyon, however the temple has never been completed.

The ancient town is really well preserved. The monument complex contains also a smaller ancient theater, located on the hill of Monte Barbaro, from which you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Castellammare del Golfo.

At Segesta’s archaeological park, there’s a shuttle bus to take you from the parking area to the amphitheatre and urban excavations. The nearest locality is Calatafimi. During Summer, several classical Greek dramas are performed at Segesta’s ancient amphitheatre, but many of these productions feature actors and actresses wearing casual clothes instead of classical costumes.

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Arezzo – unique antiques fair in Italy

Julius — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:25:53 +0000

Arezzo Antiques Fair (Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo) is the oldest and also the biggest antiques fair in Italy with over 500 stalls. The fair offers antiques and restored works in the wonderful historic center of the city of Arezzo.

The main section of the fair is located in Piazza Grande, Piazza San Francesco, and the Logge Vasari which transforms the whole city center into one great market place.

Arezzo Antiques Fair is held in the first weekend of every month and has an average attendance of 20.000 people each weekend. The exhibitors come from all over Italy and offer a panorama of cultural traditions, costumes and artefacts from Italy’s history.

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