Il Ballo del Doge

Il Ballo del Doge ("The Doge’s Ball") is a Venetian masquerade ball, one of the many events held annually during the Carnival of Venice. The ball itself is held in the 15th-century Venetian palace of Palazzo Pisani Moretta, situated on the Grand Canal in Venice. The ball's name derives from the title of the elected heads (Doge, "Duke" in English) who ruled Venice up until the fall of the Venetian republic in the 18th century. Every year the ball is attended by around four hundred guests dressed in period costume and masked.

The event is a reconstruction of an 18th-century masquerade ball and includes a meal of Venetian cuisine. Over the years the entertainment has included performances by opera singers, musicians, burlesque artists and characters from the Commedia dell'Arte.

History
Il Ballo del Doge began in Venice in 1994, and takes place every year in Venice during the Carnival. Every edition of Il Ballo has a different theme. The inventor, Antonia Sautter, is a fashion designer and luxury events manager both in Venice and internationally. Attendees throughout the years defined it as the most sumptuous, refined and exclusive masquerade event in the world, and one of the one-hundred things everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. Il Ballo del Doge has been described by Vanity Fair as "one of the most exclusive parties in the world." Guests have included members of European, Middle Eastern and Asian royal families, celebrities, and leaders in international business and finance.

About Il Ballo del Doge
Every edition of Il Ballo has a different theme from the inventor, Antonia Sautter. Each theme has its own set designs, dining, and entertainment. Palazzo Pisani Moretta, overlooking the Grand Canal, hosts the event.

Throughout the years, Il Ballo del Doge has become a large production celebrated by many wealthy celebrities and guests. The guests, wearing the costumes designed and hand-made by Sautter, reach the Palace by water.

Il Ballo del Doge celebrated its twenty-fifth edition on Saturday, February 10th, 2018. The edition was titled “Rebirth & Celebration.” The set designs, the shows, the menu and every moment of the event were dedicated to the theme of the constant renewal of rebirth and the celebration of emotions, creativity and passion.

Il Ballo del Doge is covered by the international press; TV programmes, newspapers and magazines from all over the world have reported on the event.

Press release

 * Vogue Italia, February 2018
 * Vanity Fair, February 2018
 * VDG Magazine, February 2018
 * Le Vin Parfait, February 2018
 * Excellence Magazine, January 2018