Why People Wear Costumes To Carnival?

Carnival is a joyous and uninhibited celebration that marks the overturning of daily life and gives us all one last chance to party before spending the entirety of lent repenting. What has always aided and can even make the carnival atmosphere is the use of fun and festive costumes, but where did this tradition come from and why is it carried out?

Wearing costumes dates back to Ancient Greek, Egyptian and African civilizations but for the purpose of this article we will talk about their significance during the carnival season. It all started with the Italians and the Venetian carnivals that date back to 1268. The popular attire of the time was masks and although carnival dress has altered significantly over the centuries they remain an integral part of the carnival season across Europe.

The common misconception about the mask is that it allows you to assume the anonymous identity of someone else, when in reality what a mask actually does is allow your real uninhibited self come out to play. Over the centuries this of course has had its drawbacks and when thousands gathered on streets and city centres across Europe with their deepest desires having free reign - anarchy overruled society. The wearing of masks and costumes has been associated with the moral decay of societies and as a result outlawed in countries across Europe, brought back, outlawed again but is now finally restored. No doubt the advent of CCTV has aided their return and ensured they will remain part of the carnival atmosphere for centuries to come.

Wearing costumes is deeply rooted in an archaic social class system. It is the ultimate leveling field where the poor mingle with the rich, the evil with the good, all under anonymity and in the aim of creating the perfect party. While costumes remain an integral part to carnival celebrations in the last few decades they have moved away from their traditional forms and transgressed into a pure visceral celebration. Now you are just as likely to see a superhero as you are a harlequin.

You can make your own costume or depending on how much time you have or what you want you can find one online from a wide variety of fancy dress retailers. Carnival and the costumes that make it are all about embracing the fantasy. Dive into the spirit this festive season and let your inhibitions run riot. Find out the costumes you are most likely to see at this years carnival season.