The origin of the Venetian masks is still a mystery today. The first documented of the masks can be traced back to the 13th century. The masks were used during the Venetian carnival, which is a annual carnival in which the San Marco square turns into a parade. Venetian masks come in many forms and colors.
The origin of the carnival can be traced back to 1162 when the Venice republic beat the Patriarch of Aquileia. The people of Venice began to dance and party in the San Marco Square after the victory. This started becoming a annual festival in the Renaissance era. When the Holy Roman Emperor took control the festival was outlawed in 1797. It wasn't until 1979 that the Italian government decided to bring back the festival to help promote culture.
