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3 unusual facts about masquerade ball


Haunting of the Octoroon Mistress

Masked balls were used as a way for rich Creoles to obtain an octoroon mistress.

Horror convention

A costume contest called a masquerade is often held where persons go on stage and compete for nominal prizes based on their skill in assembling and presenting horror-inspired outfits.

Music of Montserrat

The Montserratian tradition of masquerading is both a ritual and celebratory element of folk music.


Il Ballo del Doge

Il Ballo del Doge (The Doge’s Ball) is the most elegant and exclusive Venetian masquerade ball, one of the many events held annually during the Carnival of Venice.

Nicolas de Gunzburg

Living the life of a bon vivant in the Paris of the 1920s and 1930s, Gunzburg spent money lavishly, and his costume balls featured extravagant sets designed by architects and artists.


see also

Antonia Sautter

In 1994 Antonia started her annual masquerade ball, Il Ballo del Doge, initially as a showcase for her marvellous costumes.

Hans Henric von Essen

He accompanied Gustav III at the 1792 masquerade ball at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm on March 16, 1792 where the king was shot and mortally injured.

Il Ballo del Doge

The ball is essentially a reconstruction of an 18th Century masquerade ball and includes a meal of Venetian cuisine.