A masquerade ball is a special kind of formal ball which many participants attend in costume wearing masks. Less formal "costume parties" may be a descendant of this tradition. A masquerade ball usually encompasses music and dancing. These nighttime events are used for entertainment and celebrations.
Masquerade ball at the Carnival of Venice.
A Veneziana mask from Verona, Italy.
German 16th century, a masquerade from Freydal, the tournament book of Maximilian I, c. 1515, pen and brown ink with watercolor on laid paper. One in a series at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, Rosenwald Collection.
Masquerade ball at Château de Hattonchâtel, France.
Costume is the distinctive style of dress or cosmetic of an individual or group that reflects class, gender, profession, ethnicity, nationality, activity or epoch. In short costume is a cultural visual of the people.
Actors in samurai costume at the Kyoto Eigamura film set
A captivating performance of Rajasthani folk dance, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of India. Image source: Wikimedia Commons.
A delightful glimpse into Kodomo Kabuki, the children's kabuki theater tradition in Nagahama, Japan. Young performers bring classic Japanese plays to life with their vibrant expressions and lively acting. Image source: lensonjapan.
A captivating moment from Kodomo Kabuki, the children's kabuki theater at the Hikiyama Matsuri in Nagahama, Japan. Here, a young performer embodies the role of Warrior Kumagai Jiro Naozane, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication among the young actors. Image source: lensonjapan.