Decadenza - A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
… is a Carnival party of a new generation. it reinvents Venice Carnival since 2010. But where does carnival come from? Homage to the 6 months parties.
Prelude
Back in the XIII century, during the fourth crusade that led until Constantinople, Venice, under the rule of Doge Enrico Dandolo, gained Crete, Rhodes, and the Corfu islands. On return from his victory during the crusade, Doge Dandolo noticed muslim women wore veils. He took this back to Venice and claimed “the mask allowed to free the look and mouth, these feminine signs that rejoice the heart of humble men”. Thus in 1205 women in Venice started to parade masked. During the Renaissance, the mask was created in white paper maché that matched perfectly with their already white linen veils. Furthermore, the masks were repurposed by the doctors to avoid the plague.
The good times of Carnival
The etymology of ‘carnival’ comes from italian ‘carne-vale’ meaning literally “a farewell to meat”, referring to “human flesh”. Venice invented carnival that spread out throughout the whole Christianity, a decadent moment before the fasting of Lent.
The XVII & XVIII centuries were the most flamboyant in Venice history. Masks were only worn during Carnival…which lasted 6 months of the year. In 1540, the cityhall published a guide on the 10.000 women authorized to offer their body in special houses. (At the time there were as many of those houses than churches in Venice, this is how romantic the city was). The little guide book reveals descriptions on their profiles, age, address, specialties and price. Each woman seeks to have three to five regular clients while always having the right to refuse one. They pay their taxes and bring in tourism. They were allowed to show their breasts (on the Ponte dei Tette) to prevent the young men from the temptation of homosexuality.
The Carnival of today
As Carnaval is somehow the glorification of the flesh, we made a translation in our modern days, by revealing with the art of Shibari with the best performers.
Past editions of Decadenza
Videos 2024
….And this one, seen through the lens of life of Alberto
2023 Decadenza X Marie Sauvage (Shibari artist)
2022 Decadenza X Marie Sauvage (Shibari Artist)
2019 Video Decadenza X Atma
Video to be watched when ‘connected to Facebook’ https://www.facebook.com/atmabyaman/videos/330730917553261/
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Photos 2024 (by Saint-Ambroise)
Photos 2024 (by Alice Berg)
Photos 2023
Photos 2022
Photos 2019 Future Carnival // Decadenza Collab
Photos 2017
Photos 2016
Photos 2015
Bonjour le monde !