Digital Man デジタルマン

The canals are shimmering, the masks are magnificent, and the energy is electric. It can only be one thing: Carnevale in Venice. This year, however, beneath the centuries-old traditions of masked revelry, something new is stirring: a digital undercurrent transforming how people experience and participate in this iconic celebration.

Venice Carnevale, steeped in history dating back to the 11th century, has always been a feast for the senses. Elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and impromptu street parties create a vibrant tapestry of colour and sound. But in the 21st century, the allure of Carnevale is being enhanced by a wave of digital innovation, offering attendees novel ways to engage with the festivities and share their experiences with the world.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become virtual stages for the Carnevale. Participants are actively documenting their experiences, sharing stunning images of costumes, impromptu performances, and the sheer beauty of Venice under the Carnevale spell. The #CarnevaleDiVenezia hashtag has become a global window into the heart of the festival, allowing viewers from around the world to participate vicariously and even inspire future attendees.

For centuries, masks have been the key to the Carnevale. They allowed for a shedding of identity, a liberation from societal constraints, and a playground for role-playing and subversive commentary. Today, the Digital Man takes this concept further, offering a new layer of anonymity and interaction through the digital realm.

How Tech Meets Tradition:

• Augmented Reality Masks: Forget the traditional papier-mâché. AR filters on smartphones allow anyone to instantly don elaborate masks, transforming their appearance and immersing themselves in the Carnevale spirit without needing to physically wear anything. These digital masks can be shared on social media, blurring the lines between the real and the virtual celebrations.

• Interactive Storytelling: Imagine encountering costumed performers who, when scanned with a QR code, unlock a chapter of a larger, interactive story that unfolds across the city. This blend of physical performance and digital narrative adds a layer of intrigue and discovery to the traditional Carnevale experience.

• Gamified Exploration: Apps are being developed that turn the entire city into a game board. Participants can complete challenges, solve riddles hidden in plain sight, and earn points for interacting with specific landmarks or performers, encouraging them to explore the less-trodden corners of Venice.

• Livestreaming and Virtual Participation: For those unable to physically attend, the Digital Man offers a window into the Carnevale. Livestreaming events, virtual reality tours, and interactive online games allow people from around the world to participate in the festivities, albeit from a distance.

• Digital Identity and Anonymity: Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are being explored as ways to create temporary, anonymous digital identities that can be used for transactions and interactions within the Carnevale, offering a modern take on the traditional mask's promise of anonymity.

Digital Man is one of Gianluigi's new costume designs for this year's Venice Carnevale. Gianluigi is a veteran costumer at the Venice Carnevale. His costumes takes on themes of everyday life people, and often come with his signature top hats and very trendy glasses. It is always a joy to see and photograph Gianluigi.