As Lent approaches, it's carnival time in Venice! The Doge, Signior Giovanni del Lago, has decreed this a day of general celebration. There will be divers entertainments during the afternoon, including gaming, singing, and mask-making for young & old. Local artisans will display their works, and those possessing them are invited to display any Royal Writs they have been presented.
The local masters of defense invite others skilled in that art to take some exercise with them in the great hall. Later, a visiting commedia dell'arte troupe will enact a farce. As is proper for a carnival, food will be available for many hours, so come prepared to eat when you wish.
The carnival will culminate in a masked ball in the evening; the Doge has set the masquerade theme to be Classical Rome, and will bestow prizes for superior costumes.
The Doge, alas, is drawing towards the end of his career, so whispers are now rising in both the great houses and the dark alleys, concerning the succession. Ancient grudges inform the day's high-stakes politics; knives -- and wits -- are being sharpened. It is rumored that amidst the carnival's diversions, an assassination will be attempted....
Translation: In this festive season, Jehan du Lac, Baron Carolingia, will host a day of carnival entertainments of an Italian flavor. There will be divers entertainments during the afternoon, including:
- gaming
- singing
- mask-making:
- for safety reasons, parents should help supervise children who wish to make masks
- donations of garb scraps too small to use for anything else are very welcome
- there will be prizes for the best masks.
- a display of arts & sciences -- this is not a contest, but both documentation from the makers and written comments from the viewers are encouraged.
- a display of scrolls and scribal work
- both displays will have an attendant supervising them
- fencing in the great hall, including an exhibition of youth fencing
- one of the inimitable performances of I Sebastiani
- food available throughout the day
The event will culminate in a masked ball in the evening, with the theme being Classical Rome; come as your favorite Roman mythical or historical personage. Disguises are not required, but prizes will be given for costumes judged superior.
Also, it is reliably reported that at least one attempt will be made to assassinate the Doge sometime during the afternoon. If the first attempt does not succeed, more attempts may occur. So keep your eyes peeled....
This event will take place Feb. 18, 2012, from 2pm to 10 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Milton (the same site as the Haroun al Rashid event in November), 495 Canton Avenue, in Milton.
Site restrictions:
- Fencers, please wear non-marking footgear.
- This is a damp site; beer & wine are allowed. Please behave responsibly.
- Both tree nuts and peanuts are forbidden on site. If for some reason you feel moved to bring your own snacks, please avoid any substances involving them.
If this will be your first SCA event, please get in touch with our Chatelaine, Lady Ysane la Fileresse, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for hints on how to prepare and what to expect.
Some event-related jobs haven't yet been filled, and as usual volunteers are very welcome. Please talk to the autocrat about how you can help.
Directions:
From Central Carolingia and points north: Take your best route to the Southeast Expressway section of I93, at the south end of Boston. Get off at exit 10 for Squantum St. Bear right off the exit ramp, and follow Squantum to the first stop sign, at Adams St. Turn right onto Adams, then at the first traffic light turn left onto Centre St. Follow Centre for about 1.5 miles, past Fontbonne and Milton Academies. At Reedsdale St., continue through the traffic light; the street name will change to Canton Ave. The First Congregational Church will be the first church on your right, just up the hill.
From points west and south: Take your best route to the Route 128 portion of I93 (between I95 and Route 3) south of Boston. Take exit 2B onto Washington St., which is Route 138 North. Watch for the Trailside Museum on your right; just after it, bear right onto Canton Ave. Follow Canton for about 3.3 miles. The First Congregational Church will be on your left, just past the town office building and the gazebo.
Parking: The driveway to the right of the church leads to the small parking lot in back. More spaces are available to the left of the church, facing the town office building, and also to the left of the fire station just behind the town office building.
Please enter at the rear of the building, under the long covered portico with the Centre School sign.
Fees:
Since food will be served as a continuous buffet, there is not a separate feast fee; instead, the food cost is included in the site fees:If received by 11 February 2012:
Adults: $18
Youths (12-17): $11
Children (5-11): $9
Babes in arms (under 5): free
After that:
Adults: $20
Youths (12-17): $12
Children (5-11): $10
Babes in arms (under 5): still free
The SCA Inc. $5 surcharge for adult non-members must be added as necessary. Please make out checks to: SCA Inc. -- Barony of Carolingia. Reservations should be sent to Lord Pandaulf at:
Carnival in Venice
c/o
Jon Libby
23 Cathy Rd
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Pandaulf may be reached at 978-590-5483 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for questions about reservations.
If you have any questions about the food to be served, please ask the lead cook: Baroness Cassandra Boell von Bayer (Cassandra Boell), 978-518-2101 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
For all other questions, talk to the autocrat, Lady Eowyn Eilonwy of Alewife Brook (Pandora Berman), at 617-492-7274 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .