Chapter 24February 13, 1972
The three-month production of Verdi's Rigoletto ended successfully at La Fenice Opera House. The ending came at a perfect time, three days before Lent when Carnival closes with Notte de la Taranta (fireworks at midnight). Venice is overflowing with zealous tourists eager to consume every exotic experience. At night, magically lit streets and canals come alive with nobles, princesses, duchesses, counts, and sexy servants making their way to various costume balls.
Carnival is one big theatrical stage. Tonight, I celebrated at the Palazzo Pisani Moretta's Tiepolo Ball, one of the many masked balls at Carnival. Guests arrived in their finest costumes, ready to experience live theatrical entertainment, and lavish food and drink by candlelight. The anonymity of mask
