Venetian masks hid identities for centuries

During Venice's annual Carnival, participants wear elaborate masks to conceal their identities, transforming the city into a vibrant spectacle of anonymity. This tradition, dating back to at least the 12th century, allowed nobles and commoners to interact freely, challenging rigid social structures in a revolutionary way for its time. Masks, often handmade from papier-mâché, range from simple white volto to the dramatic bauta, which permits eating and drinking.