Carnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice — an illustrated travel story, set in Global. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Travel.
Page 1
The wind howls across the frozen lagoon, kicking up flurries of ice crystals. A burst of music and laughter erupts from a brightly colored gondola gliding through the icy water. "Welcome to the Carnival of Venice!" a voice shouts, the words barely audible over the wind. It's cold enough to freeze your whiskers, but the spirit here burns as hot as a forge.
Page 2
"They really go all out, huh?" Katya asked, her breath puffing out in little white clouds. Atlas nodded, shivering slightly. "Arjun said the masks aren't just for show. They're supposed to hide everyone's social class, so everyone's equal during the Carnival." Arjun, bundled in a heavy fur coat, grinned. "Exactly! Now, let's find some frittelle before we freeze solid."
Page 3
Arjun points down a narrow alleyway. "I read somewhere, Atlas, that the essence of strategy is to pick one important thing and do it exceptionally well. Bruce Lee said that, I think." A hand-painted sign, its script slightly faded, shows a delicious looking pastry next to the words 'Frittelle Calde'. "That must be our place!" Katya exclaimed, tugging at Atlas's sleeve. "I can smell the sugar already!"
Page 4
The small bakery overflows with warmth and the scent of fried dough. "One order of frittelle, please!" Atlas shouts over the chatter. A baker, his face flushed from the heat of the oven, smiles and nods, gesturing towards a stack of golden-brown pastries. "These are made the traditional way, only during Carnival," Arjun explains, his eyes twinkling. "The secret ingredient? A pinch of grappa!"
Page 5
Frittelle in hand, they stroll towards the Rialto Bridge. "Did you know this bridge used to be the only way to cross the Grand Canal?" Arjun asks, pointing to the bustling waterway. Atlas shakes his head, mesmerized by the sight of gondolas and boats weaving through the ice. "It was built in the 16th century. Before that, there was only a wooden bridge, and it kept collapsing!"
Page 6
As they cross the bridge, a group of mask-makers are selling their wares. Elaborate bautas, plague doctor masks with long beaks, and glittering colombinas line the stalls. "The plague doctor masks are especially iconic," Arjun says. "They weren't just costumes. Doctors actually wore them during the plague, stuffing the beaks with herbs to protect themselves from the smell and disease!"
Page 7
Katya picks up a small, plain-looking mask. "This one isn't fancy at all," she observes. The mask-maker smiles. "Ah, that's a moretta. Venetian women used to wear them, held in place by a button they clenched between their teeth. It kept them silent... mysterious!" Arjun chuckled. "Remember that, Atlas," he said, winking. "Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words."
Page 8
Suddenly, the music swells. A costumed procession appears, parading through the square. A woman in a stunning, bejeweled gown trips, her mask falling into the icy canal. "Oh no!" she cries, distraught. Atlas, remembering the mask-maker's words, sprints forward. "Don't worry! I can help!"
Page 9
The icy water splashes Atlas's face as he plucks the mask from the canal. He returns it to the woman, who beams with gratitude. "Grazie! Thank you!" she exclaims. "You saved my mask! It's been in my family for generations." Atlas grins, his cheeks flushed from the cold and the excitement. "You're welcome!"
Page 10
As the parade continues, Atlas, Katya, and Arjun join the revelry. The music pulses through the frozen air, connecting everyone in a shared moment of joy. In the heart of winter, Venice explodes with color and life. Come to the Carnival of Venice, where even ice can melt in the warmth of human celebration.
About this story
- Location: Global
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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