Some of the masks we see walking around in Venice streets during carnival time are replicas of the typical, more famous masks that lived through centuries in the fantasy and tradition of the Carnival of Venice.
Some of them were so famous at the time, that were used for impersonations by the Commedia dell'Arte, while other masks didn't touch so deeply the popular imagination, but still are fascinating and alive in art and memories.
Browsing through them is like walking in the narrow streets of a foggy Venice of the 16th century. Everybody disguised, people laughing, chatting, a glass of white wine here (ombretta), a dance there. Carnival in Venice, this is what it was.
And in modern times also the same disguised people will welcome you as you pass by the Rialto Bridge, or by Campo Santa Margherita.
Only that nowadays all of you almost for sure are well-equipped with a digital camera and can take the memories home with little expenses ...
