Venice's Secret Keeper: A Legacy of Masks and Dreams

Venice, a city of canals and whispers, holds a secret. It's not just about gondolas and pigeons. It's about a woman who turned her childhood dreams into a grand spectacle. Antonia Sautter, a native Venetian, grew up surrounded by the magic of Il Carnevale. Her mother, a skilled seamstress, sparked her imagination with costumes and stories. This wasn't just about dressing up; it was about becoming someone else, if only for a few days. Sautter's journey took a turn when a famous comedian walked into her boutique. Terry Jones, of Monty Python, saw her colorful creations and asked for her help. This chance encounter changed her life. She began dreaming bigger, leading to the birth of Il Ballo del Doge, a lavish ball that brings Venice's carnival traditions to life. But Sautter doesn't work alone. She's part of a team, most of whom are from Venice or nearby. She's not just preserving traditions; she's nurturing them, ensuring they live on through the next generation. However, Venice faces a challenge. Young people are leaving. The city relies heavily on tourism, which offers few opportunities for growth. Many young Venetians are not interested in learning traditional crafts. They're drawn to the glamour of social media, not the hard work of craftsmanship. Sautter worries about the future. She sees the struggle firsthand in her atelier, where young apprentices often leave when they realize the work is tough. Space is another issue. Venice's beautiful palazzos are often turned into hotels, not workshops. Artisans struggle to find affordable spaces to work and display their crafts. Sautter's atelier is filled with costumes, each one sewn by hand. She needs space to store them, to protect them from Venice's humid air. A team in her atelier is dedicated to repairing these creations, a testament to the city's rich craftsmanship. But Sautter isn't giving up. She dreams of taking Venice on tour, of bringing Il Ballo del Doge to the world. She wants to share the spirit of Venice, its passion and magic. With her drive and love for the carnival, she might just succeed. After all, Venice's secrets are worth sharing.