Carnivals of the World on the Stage of Piazza San Marco

Carnivals of the World on the Stage of Piazza San Marco

Once again this year, the extraordinary carnival associations take center stage in Piazza San Marco, ready to enchant the audience with their magnificent costumes and traditional dances!

Enriching the event, international delegations will showcase fascinating traditional masks from Slovenia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.

Enhancing the event, international delegations with fascinating traditional masks from Bolivia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and China!

Sunday, February 1th, 3:30 PM – Bolivian Masked Dances

Intocables Bergamo – BOLIVIA AND ITS FOLKLORE

Bolivian folklore is a vibrant and diverse cultural mosaic of music, dance, traditions, and art, born from the syncretism of ancient Indigenous cultures. It reflects the identity, memory, and pride of its people through iconic dances such as the Morenada, Pujllay, Diablada, and many others, as well as celebrations like the Carnival of Oruro, making it a living heritage and a key element of social cohesion.

Main characteristics:

• Cultural syncretism: it blends pre-Hispanic elements (instruments such as quenas and zampoñas) with colonial influences, creating unique forms of expression.

• Geographic diversity: each region (highlands, valleys, tropical areas) has its own dances, costumes, and music, enriching the cultural landscape.

• Identity and memory: dances and music tell ancestral stories, rituals, and the worldview of the Bolivian people, strengthening their sense of belonging.

• Living heritage: a tradition passed down orally from generation to generation, with important celebrations such as World Folklore Day (August 22).

Dances: Morenada, Diablada, Caporales, Saya, Tinku, Pujllay, Suri Sicuri, among many others, each featuring elaborate costumes and profound meanings.

Saturday, February 7th| 3:30 PM – Traditional Dances of Sri Lanka

KANDYAN, LOW COUNTRY, SABARAGAMUWA – A Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Sri Lankan Dance

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan—the diplomatic representation of the Sri Lankan Government in Northern Italy—proudly presents a mesmerizing fusion of traditional and contemporary dances from Sri Lanka!

Dedicated to strengthening cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Italy, this performance will showcase the elegance of Sri Lanka’s ancient dance traditions interwoven with the vibrancy of modern choreography. With dazzling costumes, rhythmic drumming, and expressive movements, the show will capture the true spirit of Carnival—a celebration of transformation, creativity, and boundless artistic expression.

The performance will feature a hypnotic blend of Kandyan, Low Country, and Sabaragamuwa dance styles, each narrating a story of spiritual devotion, nature, and cultural identity.

Professional artists from Sri Lanka, who have made Italy their second home, will present their artistic legacy through a series of beautifully choreographed performances. Having immersed themselves in both Sri Lankan traditions and the Italian artistic scene, these talented dancers bring to the stage a unique fusion of heritage and contemporary influences. Their presence at the Venice Carnival is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s radiant cultural heritage, seen through the eyes of artists who have embraced a new home while keeping their traditions alive on the international stage.

Sunday, February 8th, 5:00 PM – Traditional Dances and Martial Arts of the Philippines

ATI-ATIHAN

The Filipino traditional dance show “Ati-Atihan” is a vibrant explosion of color, rhythm, and energy.

The dancers, their bodies painted black with soot or paint to resemble the indigenous Ati people, wear elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and native patterns. The air vibrates to the infectious rhythms of drums, gongs, and other percussion instruments. The performers move with a dynamic mix of steps, jumps, and sways, their movements telling stories of ancient exchanges and celebrations. Their faces, painted black, express joy and fervor as they chant “Hala Bira!”, inviting everyone to join the festivities. It is a powerful and captivating performance—a fusion of cultural traditions that embodies the spirit of celebration and community.

Vicenza Filipino Community Dance Group: Keeping Tradition Alive

The Vicenza Filipino Community Dance Group is composed of members of the Filipino community in Vicenza, passionately sharing their heritage through dynamic performances. Their Ati-Atihan presentation will showcase their dedication to preserving Filipino traditions, featuring meticulously crafted costumes adorned with vibrant colors, feathers, and indigenous motifs.

With rhythmic movements synchronized to the infectious beat of drums and percussion, the dancers will bring to life the story of this ancient festival, transporting the audience to the heart of the Philippines.

With enthusiasm and pride, the Vicenza Filipino Community Dance Group will offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Ati-Atihan, celebrating community and heritage through the art of dance!