Masquerade Balls Are Truly Unique Events!

Masquerade balls or masques, have their origins from a folk tradition in Europe where giftbearing players wearing masks would call on a nobleman to mark an event. These players would be dancing and singing in the nobleman's halls and encourage spectators to join in.

In the end, they would remove their masks to reveal their identities. Masques developed in Italy during medieval times, flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries as a courtly entertainment in celebration of a dynastic event. It involved music and dancing, singing and acting, performed on an elaborate stage with equally elaborate costumes and masks. Some royalties who had the acting bug like Henry VIII, Charles I, and Louis XIV performed as masquers in the masques at their courts, hidden behind masks. The spoken and singing parts, though, were done by professionals. Sadly, the masque is the artistic form from the Renaissance that is most alien to modern audiences today.

In the 90's, the masquerade balls had a resurgence in popularity. The theme has been popular in contemporary New Year's Eve celebrations. More and more events planners have now started incorporating the masquerade ball theme in certain momentous occasions such as weddings, Prom Nights, and milestone celebrations like quinceaneras and sweet 16 parties. Because of this uptrend, numerous books and websites have abounded with details on how to plan a masquerade ball.

There is also no shortage of online resources where one can buy a beautiful, handmade mask to match that gorgeous gown. In modern masquerade balls, guests can come in a complete ensemble of mask and costume or they can also arrive wearing their formal attire with a matching mask. A carefully matched mask can be a fitting accessory to a beautiful dress or gown. People who would want their faces to be seen or ladies who don't want their make-up smudged or their hair messed up would normally choose a mask on a stick.

Most formal parties can get old and boring after some time but masquerade balls are always fabulous events. Watching the guests in their costumes and masks is an entertainment in itself. No longer exclusive to royal court occasions, every photo shot from masquerade balls is a tableau of pomp and pageantry.