The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-12-06
TINE VENETIAN CARNIVAL
A Bit of the Old World Trans
planted.

There have been fairs and fairs, and City
Hall has had its share of them; but it is safe
to say that never in the 80 years of its exis-
tence has such fair been seen within its
walls as the Venetian carnival now in pro-
gress Everything about it from the mo-
ment one passes the warder of the outer
gate till he passes him again outward bound
is suggestive of the land of the Doges En-
tering the hall, the visitor is transported
bodily, mentally. totally to square of the
ancient Italian city. Around him he sees
the arched arcades thronged with gaily
dressed figures, while the lion of st. Mark,
swinging lamps, maze of bright colored
rugs and tapestry almost convince him that
under his feet instead of over his head is
the Adriatic. The old familiar stage is
transformed into an elevated cafe in which
attentive walters serve choice Italian viands
in great profusion. Sitting there awhile
hlone after mounting the crimson steps, sip.
ping delicious coffee, or allowing ices frozen
theoretically in the shadow of the Pennine
Alps to slowly melt in his mouth, the visitor
or tourist as he almost believes himself to
Dc, can see Tilt about the open square before
MIN mysterious fgures-harlequins with
masked faces dressed all in black and span-
giles, troubadours and peasant girls from the
south OF Spain, orange vendors and flower
girls from Tuscany, and other parts of the
long boot. gondoliers more gorgeously
dressed than ever gondoliers we're before,
and here and there a well-known society
man of Portland, Me-, in full dress and
wearing what seems to be an order of nobil-
ity around his neck. He could hear sweet
voices conversing in choice Italian long
metre verse, and could catch shy glances
from soft Italian eyes as the ladies' prone
made back and forward or take dancing
| steps to the notes of the orchestra stationed
| in the gallery over the entrance. After fin
ishing his lunch our traveller starts on to
do" Venice. He needs neither Murray nor
| Baedeker after reading the PRESS, but can
| go straight ahead. Just at the foot of the
steps leading from the cafe is piece of the
grand canal with gondola floating in 1T,
passing reflections of st. Marks. the Pitt
palace and many other noted buildings of
this famous city. Next is the general post
office with its Italian sign. A simple Ameri-
can might pass it unknowingly were it not
| for the list of advertised letters written in
| excellent English, and showing that Port
land has gone to Venice in body. In the
far corner of the hall is red booth, not
leading to the Bridge of Signs as might be
supposed, but being the abiding place of
Punch and Judy Of ancient renown who at
| stated periods, heralded by clarinet, go
through their connubial infelicities before
the public. Next, at the rear of the hall is
second cafe where choice Venetian confec-
tionery is dispensed bya pretty girl, pre-
sumably native of the Tyrolese Mountains.
Beyond this cafe comes the continuous row
| of booths filled with the choicest fabrics and
spices and jewels of the East brought across
the Mediterranean in the Venetian argosies,
together with beautiful flowers and works OF
art. The flower booth is higher than the
others and is one maze of colored silk and
worsted scarfs and rugs being so inter.
twined and lit up by Venetian lamps that
the harmonious blending is indescribable
| Our tourist after completing the circuit of
| the square retires to side seat and watches
the play of colors go on. Suddenly his ear
is caught by the tinkle of a guitar. and the
wandering minstrel sings a plaintive air.
Then the orchestra strikes up waltz and
dancing couples spring up as if by magic,
filling the square with the may whirl. Al
together, the Venetian carnival is decidedly
unique and very beautiful. 1t is continued
this evening and tomorrow.
The dance in charge of Mr.. Gilbert and
previously described, where Mrs. Cavazza
and Mr.. Kotzschmar have arranged the
words and melody of the italian song, will
be given Friday and Saturday evenings.