Arlecchino, Pulcinella, Colombina, have you ever heard of them? They are the most well-known Carnival masks in Italy!
The Carnevale di Venezia is one of the most famous carnivals around the world, and it’s famous for its intricate Venetian Masks.
It is not a surprise that every carnival, regardless of its country origin or other characteristics, is traditionally associated with Venetian carnival masks.
In the festival, these masks are part of elaborate costumes that evoke feelings of pomp, elegance, and even a bit of magic.
The mask, as a primary symbol of a carnival, has an interesting history linked to old Venice traditions. Discover the most important facts about the history of the Venice mask.
The Stories Behind Italian Carnival Masks
Colombina
Colombina (“little dove” in Italian) is Arlecchino’s girlfriend and the archetype of the smart, sassy servant. She is very devoted to her lady Rosaura and often helps her with her love intrigues.
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚, is one of the earliest female masks of the Venetian carnival. Spirited, cunning, pretty and a liar, Colombina is a pretty servant girl, the female version of Harlequin.
Arlecchino
This astute and mischievous character was originally associated with demons. His name comes from the German Höllenkönig (King of Hell), which transformed first into Helleking and finally Harlequin. His costume is composed of differently colored patches and rags.
𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨 is probably the most famous carnival mask, best known for his costume, full of many different colors. With a resourceful and lively character, he tries to win his beloved Columbine, with the help of his friend Brighella.
Pulcinella
Pulcinella represents irony and insolence. He’s resourceful and always finds a way to outsmart people in power.
Lazy, talkative and a lover of spaghetti, Pulcinella is one of the most famous masks; his name comes from “pollicino” (in Neapolitan, chick) because of the sound of his voice.
Dottor Balanzone
The doctor is a typical azzeccagarbugli (unscrupulous lawyer) who speaks a refined language full of Latin words.
Balanzone comes from the word balanza (bilancia in Italian and “scale” in English), a symbol of justice.
𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞 was born in Bologna, and is a very serious and cocky character. With large, red cheeks, he is distinguished from other masks because he always wears black.
Pantalone
Pantalone is a rich and greedy merchant. He wears red tights (calzamaglia in Italian), a black cape and a money purse full of golden coins. Tight trousers, called pantaloni after this character, were very popular among the Venetian working class in the 16th century, and are the source of the English word “pants.”
Brighella
Brighella is a shrewd and cunning character and the best friend of Arlecchino. He’s a skilled liar, perfectly represented by his name, which comes from briga (meaning “trouble,” or “dispute”).
