Sri Lanka at Venice Carnival

Features

Sri Lanka made its presence felt at the Carnival of Venice with a series of captivating performances featuring traditional dances, music and elaborate costumes adorned with intricate masks, both traditional and modern.

Sri Lankan cultural academies representing the expat community in the Northern Italy, namely, Dance Sri Lanka Narthana Nikethanaya of Milan, Subash Niroshan Dance Academy of Milan, Nadee Dance Studio of Venice and St. Joseph International School of Milan took centre stage to a packed audience at the Venice Carnival at the Piazza San Marco on February 11.

Renowned for its rich history, elaborate costumes and vibrant masquerade balls, the Carnival of Venice has evolved into one of the world's most iconic celebrations, attracting visitors from across the globe. The Carnival traces its origins to the Middle Ages, existing for several centuries until it was abolished in 1797. The tradition was revived in 1979 and the modern event now attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Welcoming Sri Lanka, featuring for the first time in the history of the Carnival of Venice, the Director of Vela S.P.A., the accredited company of the Municipality of the City of Venice for the Carnival, Piero Rosa Salva stated “We affectionately greet the arrival of these beautiful masks which are part of a centuries-old tradition.” He further stated that Carnival is a wonderful expression of the cultural forms that characterize our territories and that they are happy to host these different artistic forms on the stage of the Piazza San Marco.

Salva further appreciated the initiative promoted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan for their efforts in bringing the rich heritage of Sri Lanka to the forefront of the Venice Carnival.

Consul General Dilani Weerakoon expressed her profound pride and gratitude for the organizers and attendees for their warm reception of Sri Lanka on stage of one of the world's most illustrious festivals. "We are delighted to have shared the beauty and diversity of Sri Lankan heritage with the world and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers for this invaluable opportunity", she stated and further promised Sri Lanka's continued presence at the Venice Carnival.

The Carnival of Venice 2024 was dedicated to commemorate the 700^th death anniversary of famous Venetian explorer Marco Polo. Marco Polo visited Sri Lanka in the 13^th century and recorded in his chronicles that Sri Lanka is the most beautiful island of its size in the world.