University of Wisconsin–Madison

Italy: Aleeya Sengdao (A New Experience)

A New Experience: 2023 Venice Carnival

Several wooden piers crowded with people house boats on a river that reflects the sunlight above.

Overall, traveling to a new country, outside of North America, is a new experience for me. I have never stepped foot out of the United States until I began my study abroad experience last month. For the first month, I had the opportunity to travel to multiple cities throughout Italy like Lucca, Livorno, Pisa, Milan, and Venice during the 2023 Venice Carnival. One experience and excursion that stood out to me that I took on my own was visiting Venice during their 2023 Carnival. While in Venice, I was able to walk along the narrow streets and canal while learning about the history behind Venice and the Carnival, speak with local artisan masks and glass makers, and go on a gondola ride and tour.

A person wearing a gold and pink dress and a mask over their face.

The main reason I wanted to visit Venice was that I wanted to be able to experience its Carnival and learn more about its history of Venice. During my tour, I learned about the origin of the Venetian Carnival, known as “Carnevale”, which started in 1094 as an event dedicated to people from the lower classes, who, through the anonymity assured by masks, could connect with the higher class of nobility at the time. As Venice is known for its Carnival, they are also well known for its Grand Canal and all of its gondolas. During our tour, we learned that there were about 10,000 gondolas being rowed around Venice at one point. With the theme of anonymity, the gondola’s signature color was black to not call attention to the gondoliers and to not show their owner’s wealth.

The pointy front of a gondola is pointed towards a bridge arching over the river.

I enjoyed every second I was in Venice, Italy. I was able to try new activities and got to learn interesting facts about Venice that I did not know before! With two months left of my study abroad program, I plan on experiencing more fun and exciting activities throughout Italy and even Europe. This experience has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and immerse myself more in their culture.

 

 

 

 

Aleeya wears a suit jacket and sits on a white bench underneath a tree.

Aleeya Sengdao

Major: Human Development and Family Studies and Sociology with Certificates in Criminal Justice & Education And Educational Services

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Program: Italy, Florence / Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA)