| Masquerade balls or masques, have their origins from | | | | the masquerade ball theme in certain momentous |
| a folk tradition in Europe where giftbearing players | | | | occasions such as weddings, Prom Nights, and |
| wearing masks would call on a nobleman to mark an | | | | milestone celebrations like quinceaneras and sweet 16 |
| event. These players would be dancing and singing in | | | | parties. Because of this uptrend, numerous books and |
| the nobleman's halls and encourage spectators to join | | | | websites have abounded with details on how to plan |
| in. | | | | a masquerade ball. |
| In the end, they would remove their masks to reveal | | | | There is also no shortage of online resources where |
| their identities. Masques developed in Italy during | | | | one can buy a beautiful, handmade mask to match |
| medieval times, flourished in the 16th and 17th | | | | that gorgeous gown. In modern masquerade balls, |
| centuries as a courtly entertainment in celebration of | | | | guests can come in a complete ensemble of mask |
| a dynastic event. It involved music and dancing, | | | | and costume or they can also arrive wearing their |
| singing and acting, performed on an elaborate stage | | | | formal attire with a matching mask. A carefully |
| with equally elaborate costumes and masks. Some | | | | matched mask can be a fitting accessory to a |
| royalties who had the acting bug like Henry VIII, | | | | beautiful dress or gown. People who would want their |
| Charles I, and Louis XIV performed as masquers in | | | | faces to be seen or ladies who don't want their |
| the masques at their courts, hidden behind masks. | | | | make-up smudged or their hair messed up would |
| The spoken and singing parts, though, were done by | | | | normally choose a mask on a stick. |
| professionals. Sadly, the masque is the artistic form | | | | Most formal parties can get old and boring after |
| from the Renaissance that is most alien to modern | | | | some time but masquerade balls are always fabulous |
| audiences today. | | | | events. Watching the guests in their costumes and |
| In the 90's, the masquerade balls had a resurgence in | | | | masks is an entertainment in itself. No longer |
| popularity. The theme has been popular in | | | | exclusive to royal court occasions, every photo shot |
| contemporary New Year's Eve celebrations. More and | | | | from masquerade balls is a tableau of pomp and |
| more events planners have now started incorporating | | | | pageantry. |