WTI Magazine #51 2015 January, 9
Author : Robert Sergio Simon Translation by:
Of the many traditions that began in Italy and spread throughout the world, one of the most famous is Carnevale. This pre-Lent festival has endured for nearly ten centuries from before the age when Venice ruled commerce throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Today Carnevale continues in Venice but the spin-off festivals are found even in the New World with Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, throughout the Caribbean islands, to the famous Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The festival has retained only vague vestiges of its original significance. We still eat and drink well, although not to rid the household of meat in preparation for Lenten fasting. And we still wear costumes and masks, although not so that the nobles and commoners could mingle and frolic without breaching social barriers. Instead Carnevale is a weeklong party that helps those of us in the northern hemisphere get through the cold and dark days of winter.
The one aspect that has remained, at least among Italian Americans, is the link to a treasured tradition that was founded in the quintessential example of Italy's culture, commerce, and engineering strengths – Venice: The Serene Republic. The city controlled the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the trade routes to the Orient. The seafood, spice, and grain that were transported by land and sea through the Venetian port enhanced the city's wealth not only in terms of lands occupied but also in the cuisine unique to the city and the city leaders' penchant for the arts.
Today we cannot think of art glass without the immediate mention of Venice's island of Murano. Master painters and sculptors include Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. Who could forget that gadabout world traveler and author Marco Polo? And when most of Europe was involved in religious wars and persecutions, where were Catholics, Protestants, and Jews alike welcomed to carry on life and business unfettered by intolerance? In La Serenissima! Venice has a rich history indeed, one to be studied, enjoyed, and preserved.
However as we all know, Venice is in trouble. The buildings are supported on wood pilings that over time have receded into the lagoons depths – the buildings are sinking. Growing industrial use of artesian wells in the area has caused subsidence of the entire lagoon area. Changes in the global climate have led to a rise in the sea level. "Aqua alta", the flooding that was a minor issue in the 1600's, has today become a major factor in the destruction of buildings and art throughout Venice. This city of 117 islands, 409 bridges, magnificent palaces and cathedrals, and untold thousands of works of art, needs our help if we are to retain it for future generations.
We Americans are up to the task. We can be expected to shoulder some of the burden to preserve and restore the buildings and art in Venice. Across the country we are combining the Carnevale celebration with fund raising efforts that go into projects throughout this beautiful city. In many cities throughout the US a masked ball, "un ballo in maschera", is being held. In the Venetian tradition the revelers wear masks that reflect Italian street theatre and spend an evening listening to classical opera, watching dancers, and of course enjoying the culinary treats and wines that originated in that area. The largest of these are in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, but new events are springing up to aid this noble effort.
On February 1, 2015 Columbus Ohio will again host this event to engage in a tradition, to preserve a heritage, and to have an enjoyable evening's entertainment. This Carnevale Ballo in Maschera is hosted by Italia in Ohio LLC, a private school teaching Italian language and culture in Central Ohio. The event will take over the entire Refectory Restaurant with Venetian delicacies being served and wine flowing all evening. Music will include performances by Opera Columbus, members of Pro Musica, Jennifer Gordon dancers, and more. Details on the Italia in Ohio blog http://www.italiainohio.com/?p=1870, the website www.ItaliaInOhio.com, or phone Sergio at 614.538.8000.