A Season of Celebration: Carnival and Mardi Gras
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” – Creole mantra
At Jean Marc Fray Antiques, our love for France and Italy is no secret. If there’s one time of the year that truly encapsulates the magic and color of these locales, it’s Carnival. This annual season of extravaganza transforms cities like Nice and Venice into stages for some of the world’s most spectacular celebrations. With rainbows of color, elaborate costumes, and enchanting parties, each city brings it’s own history and beauty to the celebration. While Carnival describes the season, Mardi Gras is the single day of celebration most notably associated with the city of New Orleans. Please join us as we journey through these three enchanting locations. Plus, find inspiration in some of our newest pieces to bring a touch of Carnival into your home everyday!
Venice Carnival
Steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, Venice Carnival is a kaleidoscope of colors, costumes, and emotions, drawing visitors into a whirlwind of excitement and wonder. Dating back to the 11th century, masks became an important part of the Carnival experience as they equalized and blurred social classes and hierarchies. No matter their background, Venetians were able to hide their true identities behind these intricate face pieces. The ‘bauta’, with its stark white face and jutting chin, and the ‘moretta’, an elegant oval mask, are traditional favorites. These masks were more than just face coverings; they were symbols of liberation, a key to a world where anything was possible.
Today, Venice Carnival is a blend of the traditional and the modern. Each event and party is a piece of a larger season of celebration through the enchanting city. From the grandeur of the masquerade balls to the historical reenactments, each is a celebration of the enduring spirit of Venice. It’s a celebration of creativity, artistry, and a rich cultural heritage. An experience that immerses you in the heart and soul of Venice. It’s a time when the city’s past and present merge, creating a tapestry of stories and legends that continue to captivate and enchant.
Inspired by Venice Carnival
Bringing the elegance of Venice Carnival into your home is best done through pieces that showcase Venetian history! With centuries of artists crafting exemplary interior items, the city has a striking style that can be found in many of our Italian pieces. Vintage lighting such as this Seguso chandelier, which brings a touch of gold and drama to a space, is perfect for modernizing the Venetian interiors seen at masquerade balls throughout the city. Likewise, the beauty and grandeur of this Venetian mirror draw on the extravagant quality and history of the Carnival costumes.
Nice Carnival
Bringing the city to life, the Nice Carnival takes place yearly over two weeks of festivities including daytime and nighttime parades, flower festivals, street art troupes, musical groups, and more. It is one of the largest and most prominent carnival celebrations in the world. The theme for 2025 is King of Oceans. Celebrating the oceans and seas of the world, including the wildlife, the Nice Carnival is making huge strides to being environmentally friendly. Dating back to 1294, the Nice Carnival brings over 1 million visitors every year.
The two most prominent aspects of the celebrations in Nice are the flower festival and the float parade. Over 80% of the flowers are produced in the Côte d’Azur region of France. Approximately 250,000 flowers are used each year, including 3,000 per float. Over 100,000 flowers are thrown throughout the festival to viewers.
Each year the parade consists of approximately 18 floats designed to theme by artists and specifically designed giant heads of the figures. They are crafted throughout the year out of the traditional papier-mâché as well as modern materials such as metal frames and polyester resin. The floats are elaborate, exaggerated, and colorful, often as tall as buildings and bleachers surrounding the parade route.
Inspired by Nice Carnival
The extravagance and color of Venice Carnival can be brought into any room through Murano glass! All hand-blown on the island of Murano, these pieces emphasize the importance and history of hand-crafted quality, while also adding a modern touch. These Murano glass lamps add color in a unique and one-of-a-kind moment that is surprising and pleasing to the eye. Likewise, the color and craftsmanship of this Murano mirror create playful excitement in any space.
New Orleans Mardi Gras
While cities around the world have extravagant Carnival celebrations, the American equivalent is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. With revelry abounding, Mardi Gras fills the streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans with live music, parades, and parties. The city of New Orleans was established in 1718. With its roots in French colonization, the busy port city began celebrating Mardi Gras in the 1730s. By 1781, references to Mardi Gras “Carnival” were being discussed. Organizations to plan the festivities were being formed throughout the city as well.
Today, Mardi Gras is seeped in tradition. From the Mardi Gras balls to Flambeaux carriers to kings cakes, the history of the city and the US influence make this a unique experience now separate from the European predecessors.
Inspired by New Orleans Mardi Gras
Famously, the city of New Orleans is covered in green, gold, and purple for Mardi Gras. We couldn’t think of a better modern depiction of this color scheme than these beautiful Murano glass sconces. The pair brings both the colors of Mardi Gras as well as the large scale and gravitas. This beautiful wave chandelier also showcases the colors of Mardi Gras. It mirrors the curve of the banners that decorate the French quarter. Perfect for bringing Mardi Gras into your home in a classic, elegant way!
