| |
Specific events connected with important military victories gave rise
to public festivals in the Piazza, such as the defeat of the Genoese in
Chioggia, the victory of Candia and other events. On these occasions tournaments
and games were held in the Piazza; from the Basilica Francesco Petrarch
watched the tournament for the victory of Candia, which amazed him.
But the most successful and most spectacular festival was the last Thursday
before Lent, in remembrance of the subjugation of the Patriarch of Aquileia.
It was held in the Piazzetta, according to ancient ritual, in the Doge's
presence: a stage was set up dominated by a firework machine. The festival
began with the killing of a bull, repeating the ancient ritual that required
the bull itself to be offered to the Patriarch of Aquileia and continued
with the "Svolo del Turco": along an invisible wire, an "angel" was let
down from the Campanile to the Palace balcony giving the Doge some flowers
in exchange for a bag of gold coins. Then groups performed acrobatic displays
called Hercules' columns, creating figures that stretched high. All culminated
in a spectacular firework display that was always loved by the Venetians,
as we can see at the festival of the Redentore (Redeemer).
The Piazza was naturally invaded by masks during the Carnival period,
especially on Saint Stephen's Day and Shrove Tuesday. The last great festival
was dedicated to the Dukes of the North, the sons of Catherine of Russia
in 1792.
The pomp, illumination and the cost of the festival were, however, severely
criticised, as the Republic's period of magnificence and power was quickly
coming to an end.
|
|
