flight of the angel Archivi - Hotel Bucintoro

The second Sunday of the venetian carnival, everyone gathers in Saint Mark’s square to assist at the famous Flight of the Angel. What is this? The winner of the contest of the Marias, of the previous edition of the Venice carnival, jumps, attached with a rope, from the tower in Saint Mark’s square to reach the Doge’s palace.

The flight of the angel takes place the second Sunday of the Carnival. The winner of the contest of the Marias, of the previous edition of the Venice carnival, jumps, attached with a rope, from the tower in Saint Mark’s square to reach the Doge’s palace.

Not everyone knows that this flight has an ancient tradition, and tragic in some ways. In the 16th century, during the carnival, a young turkish acrobat, just with a barbell, was able to reach the bell cell of Saint Mark’s tower walking above this long rope from a boat anchored at the dock of the Piazzetta. Going down instead, he was able to reach the Doge’s Palace, paying homage to the Doge. After this, named the flight of the Turkish, this event became official for the next editions and took place on Thursday before Lent. In 1759, this event turned intoa tragedy: the acrobat fell down into the scary crowd. After this accident, this event was banished. Since the next edition, the acrobat was replaced by a wood dove who , during the journey, released flowers and confetti to the crowd.

The flight of the Angel.

The winner of the Marias contest in 2017, Elisa Costantini, will be the angel of the 2018 edition.

Elisa Costantini will have the honor to fly down in Saint Mark’s square.

For more info, ask at the reception.

The Venice Carnival 2018 is famous all around the world and every year it attracts a lot of tourists. The first document that testifies the festivity in town dates back in 1094 but it is known that Venice carnival has more ancient origin: some pagans rites celebrated the end of winter time and the start of spring time, also if, with the Christianity, this event has changed its meaning, turning this in a period of joy and festivity before the Lent. Through the centuries, the carnival has changed. The decline of the Carnival began with the end of the Venetian Republic despite some islands continued to celebrate it. Since 1979, thanks to some popular initiatives and the support of institutions, the tradition that recalls tourists and sponsor, has relived.

Venice Carnival has very ancient origin: this poster dates back the first years of 1900.

The duration of the carnival is of two weeks during which a lot of shows take place. You can assist at the flight of the angel (more information about in the next post), at the flight of the eagle, masks parades, dances in the squares to the famous dinners around the palaces in town. The 2018 edition begins on Saturday Febr 27th on the Canareggio canal, scenario of an evening show on the water. On Saturday Febr 3rd the carnival gets live with the masks contest and the Festa Delle Marie (published soon). The real opening of Carnival is on Sunday Febr 4th, in Saint Mark’s square, with the flight of the angel, at noon. Who will fly down from the tower? The beautiful Elisa Costantini, the winner of the Festa Delle Marie in 2017. On Sunday Febr 11th, always at noon, will take place the flight of the eagle. In the afternoon will continue the parades of carnival masks. Venice Carnival 2018 will end on Tuesday Febr 13th (mardi gras) with the coronation of the 2018 Maria at 4.30 pm and with the flight of the lion at 5 pm,both in Saint’s Mark square.

Venice Carnival starts officially with the flight of the angel in Saint Mark’s square.

When: From Jan 27th to Febr 13th.
Where: Most in the historical centre, Saint Mark’s square surroundings.
Prices: Most of the shows are free-entry with exceptions to private parties, dinners and shows where a reservation is expected.

Do not hesitate to contact our reception for more info!

HOTEL BUCINTORO SRL