Venice Carnival in the Metaverse

The Venetian Carnival, in partnership with Ready Player Me, has been extended indefinitely into the virtual world. While the physical event ended on February 21, 2023 in its classic format, it remains permanently accessible in the virtual space.

Starting in 2023, the Venetian Carnival now exists in both physical and virtual formats

Typically, the celebrations end after two and a half weeks of revelry, but not this year. Those who were unable to physically attend the festivities can now experience its atmosphere virtually, using digital masks, costumes, and accessories. This was made possible through a partnership between the Venetian Carnival and the Ready Player Me platform. This allows any user to create a 3D avatar based on their own selfie and use it in the metaverse.

The partnership was initiated to bring the Venetian Virtual Carnival to life, providing participants with the ability to create their own digital identities (avatars) and partake in theatrical events in the metaverse. The Venetian Carnival now transcends all borders, and it doesn't matter where its participants are in the world. Anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the event's atmosphere and interact with the metaverse's inhabitants can don their avatar and join the virtual journey at any time of day or night.

Virtual carnival-goers have the option to give their avatars the classic carnival look according to Venetian tradition (Colombina, Arlecchino, Pantalone, etc.). Limited quantities of these specially-created 3D masks and costumes are available in both traditional carnival colors and premium versions featuring gold tones. After carnival-goers dress their avatars, they can visit any Ready Player Me-compatible metaverse and bring the magic of the Venetian Carnival with them. The online platform Roblox has also joined in on this project.

The specially designed mask “Original Sign” (in the center)

In the official Venetian Carnival store, visitors to the virtual world can purchase a variety of digital accessories to make their avatars more interesting and unique. The selection is quite vast, ranging from skins and masks to special sets from Arlecchino and Colombina, each of which will be available for an unlimited amount of time and help add originality to digital identities in Web3.

Some accessories are available in limited quantities.

Additionally, every visitor to the virtual event will have the opportunity to collect digital carnival souvenirs by acquiring holographic cards featuring the cult Venetian Carnival mask “Original Sign.” The hologram is printed using state-of-the-art technologies, allowing buyers to see the magic of the metaverse through physical memorabilia. These holographic cards can be purchased at various online stores or at the tourist information office in Venice.

The holographic card looks like this

The Venetian Carnival

Every year in early February, the Venetian Carnival takes place, showcasing the historical and cultural heritage of medieval Venice. Participants and tourists immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of the city, don traditional carnival costumes and masks, walk through the streets of Venice, and feel the atmosphere of freedom of self-expression and creativity. Thanks to the Venetian Virtual Carnival, now anyone from anywhere in the world has the opportunity to participate in this magical event.

This is what participants in the real world look like

Ready Player Me Platform

With this platform, you can create an avatar that can be used across various metaverses and virtual spaces. Currently, about 20 metaverses and 3D gaming projects in the VR field are compatible with the Ready Player Me platform.

The platform adheres to the principle of “One avatar to explore different worlds”.