Venice Cavaliers: the gallants of the eighteenth century

Venice (Photo credit: BillT)

Author: Albapp

It seems hard to believe today that it was the excess of bachelors during the eighteenth century what gave birth to one of the most representative figures of the century of Lights in Italy, and specially in Venice. However, this was the real reason that lead to the existence of the cicisbeo, the gallant partner, not married to the noble lady who is often represented in important paintings of the period as a main character or as a secondary one.
Most of the time, the cicisbeo was one of the younger sons of a noble family, bound to celibacy or the seminar for not being first-born. The latter owning all the family's property, the choice of the younger ones was between a life in the Church or a life of relative luxury next to a lady. Many, as one can expect, chose the last one.

Venice's Carnevale

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By Cheryl Tieken


"A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale." Roughly translated, anything goes at carnevale. A great way to celebrate the coming of Lent is Mardi Gras, and an amazing place to experience all the festivities and grandiosity that come along with lavish celebrations such as this is at Venice's Carnevale. For almost two weeks every February before Lent, Venice celebrates with ornate parties, luxuriant masquerade balls and spontaneous parties in the streets. All the madness begins two Fridays before Ash Wednesday and finishes on Fat Tuesday.

The Ambiance of Venice, Italy

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Author: Larry Aiello

Ahhh, Venice..sounds of Andrea Boccelli resonating from open balcony windows. Two young lovers comfortably embraced while savoring a nice gondola ride through a quaint canal. Couples strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets mano-a-mano. Romance is in the air. And there's no better place for romance than a trip to Venice.

Venice's main waterway is the Canale Grande (Grand Canal) which snakes its way through the city for approximately 2 miles. Other canals will feed into and out of this one. The Grand Canal is the "Main Street" of Venice.

I Love Touring Italy - Venice Carnevale Season

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The Venice Carnevale is among the most famous Carnivals into the world. It takes a back seat to Rio and perhaps New Orleans. But does it meet all the hype? Should you feel that you have missed out if you have to spend Carnevale in an alternate Italian location, a Carnival elsewhere in the world, or perhaps even at home? Only you and and perhaps your partner can decide. Hopefully our article will help you make this momentous decision.



The Venice Carnevale is relatively short, lasting only about two weeks. That can be a good thing, even more so when you consider the costs involved. The city of Venice has a population of about 270 thousand of which less than a quarter actually live in the historic town. Compare these figures to the estimated 50 thousand visitors per day, and we are talking about the annual average, not Carnevale time. On the upside, Venice is the largest car-free city in Europe, but there are two pricey parking lots.

I Love Touring Italy - Carnevale Season In Tuscany

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It may surprise you to learn that the Florence Carnevale is by no means the most important one in Tuscany. But it is a good place to start. Sunday is really the best day to enjoy the activities. You'll find floats departing from Piazza Dante and multigenerational parades in the major squares and along the Lungarno Vespucci. One of the biggest events is the "Florence Carnival in the world" parade from Piazza Ognissanti to Piazza della Signoria that features floats coming from three dozen countries in five continents.

I Love Touring Italy - Carnevale Season In Trentino

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The bilingual (Italian and German) region of Trentino-Alto Adige is on the border of Switzerland and Austria in northeast Italy. Given its heavily Germanic character don't be surprised that Carnevale here is fairly unique.



The village of Valfloriana population about 500 is located some 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Trento. Its Matoci Carnival is named after comical characters dressed in colorful outfits, festooned with bright ribbons and traditional wooden masks that cover their faces, known as "facere". One of the most spectacular events during the carnival period is the "Descent of the Matoci", a tradition here and in surrounding villages. A masked procession leaves the villages to meet at a village square. This descent symbolizes the return to normal life after a difficult winter spent in isolation. There's music, dancing, and sweets and a masked ball at night.

Carnival Time in Venice

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By Constance Grayson

Carnival - the very name excites the imagination. Carnival as celebrated in Venice, Italy is a six week pageant of costumed revelers wandering throughout the city, glimpsed crossing the picturesque bridges that traverse the canals. Masks, flowing costumes, characters from the Comedy of Arts, feathery hats, mysterious cloaks-all are part of carnival. It is, in essence, a six week party that takes place in many parts of Italy but most spectacularly in Venice.

Tips On The Best Honeymoon Destinations for Your Special Trip

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Weddings and honeymoons are the two kinds of celebrations that people look forward to, plan for and anticipate the most. You can further say from these experiences that ones memories will last the longest for years to come. All the more reason to pick one of the best honeymoon destinations for your special trip.

With as many kinds of people, so is the possibilities for choosing your honeymoon. Clearly as no two couples are alike or comparable. You can also that no two honeymoons need be the same either. Prepare for your honeymoon before the wedding extravaganza begins to take up all your time and effort. Initiating a decision on the best honeymoon destinations should not be taken flippantly. After all, this is something you will have lifelong memories of so put some extra thought and attention into planning the honeymoon.

If you choose an all inclusive honeymoon or decide to opt for a la carte, once you have landed at your destination, planning in advance will take away a lot of the stresses and headaches that you would be glad to avoid during this once in a lifetime trip. Think about where you would like to go and what you would like to do on your visit. A honeymoon is a very enchanting time, intended to bring the two people closer in unison than any other romance relationship. Yet romance is not all you are going to do all the time. Activities that both can enjoy mutually can create a whole new dimension to the marriage. Think of what your expectations will be in terms of location and activities, as well as the anticipations of your wife or husband when choosing your list of the best honeymoon destinations.

If you take pleasure in the sun, surf and sand and water sports pick out all inclusive honeymoons that are at a beach resort then feature such things to do in the package. However if you are the type that enjoys a more peaceful location that caters to full relaxation you can choose more remote destinations which avoid over commercialization. For you nature lovers pick your destination that offers great hiking, biking or nature activities. People who are interested in culture and in discovering various local customs and traditions should pick places like South American locations like Rio during the Carnival or any of the Asian destinations.

There is an almost endless choice to pick from when looking for the best honeymoon destinations from around the world today. Whether it is a luxury honeymoon destination where you can truly indulge yourself and be pampered or a rough and tough adventure honeymoon, be sure to address what you like to do by doing your research and plan your activities so that you will make your honeymoon full of golden memories.


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Steve has enjoyed freelance writing for the last 3 years on various topics. He also has a passion for publishing websites. Visit his website at http://www.luxurycomfortersets.org/ that helps people find the best daybed comforter sets when they want redesign their bedroom.