No drizzle can dampen the dazzling fervor of Carnevale. Photograph by Theo Westenberger

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Celebrity photographer Theo Westenberger captures Venice in mid-fantasy. We meet (among others) a master-of-masquerade count who owns 50 elaborately detailed costumes. But he doesn’t simply dress up; he plays the part. “If I’m wearing my Louis XIV,” says the count, “I walk with my toes pointed outward. . .Henry II would never walk that way. You see it in the paintings.”

Wings, a wig, and a wry smile make for a roguish angel. Photograph by Theo Westenberger

Writer Mimi Murphy, who lives in Italy, shares inside information, including what you need to know to attend a private masquerade ball in a centuries-old palace. She also lets you eavesdrop on conversations with Venice’s top theatrical costumiers and other Carnevale luminaries.