Juliana Barros

One of the most traditional and playful carnivals in the world, the Venice carnival, photographer Juliana Barros presents a series of photographs of Venetian balls, taken between 2011 and 2015, as well as the famous ball in the “Il Portego” hall of the noble Hotel Ca 'Sagredo, during the last carnival.

Known for its characteristic costumes with masks, white faces, silk clothes and a three-cornered hat, in the figures of Harlequin and Colombina, popular characters from the Commedia Dell'Arte street theater, the Venice carnival came to life in the effervescent 16th century, when the nobility disguised themselves to take to the streets and mix with their people, freeing themselves from their rigid social norms.

Even today, during the 10 days of the event, which evokes a lot of magic and sensuality, the mythical Italian city transforms into an immense theater of colors, exuberance and visual refinement.

While some of the city's luxurious hotels hold masquerade balls as in the past, revelers gather in Piazza San Marco with their elegant costumes and traditional masks, taking advantage of their momentary anonymity.