Password of the Week
Venetian Carnivale
Password of the week
October 27th - October 31th, 2026
#whatsthesecretpassword
The origin of the mask is still a mystery. There is less evidence explaining the motive for the earliest mask being worn in Venice. One scholar argues that covering the face in public was a uniquely Venetian response to one of the most rigid class hierarchies in European history.During Carnival, the sumptuary laws were suspended, and people could dress as they liked, instead of according to the rules that were set down in law for their profession and social class.
The first documented sources mentioning the use of masks in Venice can be found as far back as the 13th century. The Great Council made it a crime for masked people to throw scented eggs. These ovi odoriferi were eggshells that were usually filled with rose water perfume, and tossed by young men at their friends or at young women they admired. However, in some cases, the eggs were filled with ink or other damaging substances. Gambling in public was normally illegal, except during Carnival; the Great Council document decrees that masked persons were forbidden to gamble.
The Carnival of Venice is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, famous for its elaborate costumes and masks. The Carnival ends on Shrove Tuesday which is the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
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.
History
According to legend, the Carnival of Venice began after the military victory of the Venetian Republic over the patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrich II, in the year 1162. In honor of this, the people started to dance and gather in St Mark's Square. Apparently, this festival started in that period and became official during the Renaissance. In the 17th century, the Baroque Carnival preserved the prestigious image of Venice in the world. It was very famous during the 18th century. It encouraged license and pleasure, but it was also used to protect Venetians from present and future anguish. However, under the rule of Emperor Francis II, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the 19th century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations.
After a long absence, the Carnival returned in 1979. The Italian government decided to bring back the history and culture of Venice and sought to use the traditional Carnival as the centrepiece of its efforts. The redevelopment of the masks began as the pursuit of some Venetian college students for the tourist trade. Since then, approximately 3 million visitors have been coming to Venice every year for the Carnival. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella ("the most beautiful mask"), which is judged by a panel of international costume and fashion designers.
Every week before we open on Tuesday at 6pm, we set a new password of the week! Sometimes they’re historical, sometimes they’re musical, sometimes they highlight our upcoming events — but no matter the password, everyone is welcome and its all in good fun!
View our carefully curated menu of delectable small plates, delicious handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, exquisite wine & spirits selection, specialty teas and coffees and fabulous, mouth-watering desserts.
Delectable Small Plates
carefully curated for seasonal freshness and absolute enjoyment
Mouth-Watering Desserts
fabulous, mouth-watering desserts to accompany the perfect spot of tea, coffee, or nightcap
Delicious Handcrafted Cocktails
cocktails & mocktails handcrafted with house-made syrups & aromatics from The Cocktail Apothecary
Dress Code
In keeping with the speakeasy ambiance we do enforce a dress code: business casual through evening elegance. May we suggest slacks, a collared shirt, sweaters, vests, ties, jackets, suits, dresses, skirts, blouses, and blazers as preferred attire.
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