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The First Masquerade
Although celebrating traditions with masquerade balls has been around since the 14th century and all throughout the era of the Renaissance; masked balls did not come to Europe until the 17th century. However, it is noted that John Heidegger, a Swiss count had the very first masquerade in London, England in the 18th century. This particular masquerade was for the wealthy and posh. They had an exclusive invitation to participate. When attending the masked balls of entertainment, there was a strict code of conduct and behavior which had to be followed. The most important requirement was that everyone had to come in full costume.

Behind the Masks of Masquerades
Hiding one’s identity is the theme behind wearing masks at masquerade events. No one would reveal who they are until well after midnight. This tradition goes back to Venice, Italy; where privacy and anonymity was hard to come by and being judged by others came too easily. You couldn’t do anything in the dark or be shady without someone knowing who you are. However, the lower class citizens of Venice who didn’t want to be judged or ridiculed by the upper class found that “the mask” gave them privacy and a chance to hide their true character and personality, even if by chance they were a menace to society. The mask set individuals free to do and say whatever they liked without worrying about backlash and retribution from others. It allowed the lower class people to mingle with the higher class with no shame. Another aspect of the mask for entertainment, it let the party turn into a guessing game of who’s who of the elite, adding mystery and intrigue for potential suitors of the opposite sex.

Popular Masquerades of the Past
Being anonymous and at the same time, being flamboyant and wearing richly decorated costumes can add spice to a formal affair or an evening of merriment. Masquerade galas have been taking pace for a long time, going from traditional trends of yesterday to more popular or modern trends of the 21st century that involved themed events, events like that of Valentine’s Day masquerade bashes. However, some of the most popular masquerade balls of the past are still celebrated today, especially when and if you take a trip to Venice, Italy during the event of the Venice Carnival, which originated in the 14th century. With this kind of extravagant G ala, you couldn’t tell the wealthy folks from the poor folks because of the costumes and masks. This celebration is associated with the Roman Catholic traditions and their pre-lentin festival, that of the Mardi Gras.

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