Bars and cafes are filled with partygoers who come to show off their strange costumes. Their designs and creations are made by special studios. Readymade costumes are not acceptable.
“In the months before the carnival we work overtime to meet the demand,” said a maskmaker. “Many kilometers of silk and lace are made into costumes. For shopkeepers, carnival is the best time of the year.”
The Venice carnival dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, the city was one of the wealthiest in Europe.
The tradition of celebrating with masks and costumes is thought to have been started by the “Stocking Companies”. These were groups of young men who organized parties and festivals and wore colourful stockings to distinguish themselves.
By the 18th century, the carnival had reached its peak. It all came to an end when Napoleon conquered Venice in 1797. But in 1979, local people brought the old tradition back to life.
Now the Venice carnival attracts huge crowds from all over the world. This year, about 700,000 people are taking part in. Hotels were fully booked months in advance, bars and restaurants overflow 5every day.
The city certainly benefits-a whole industry has been built up around the carnivals masks and costumes.
“The Venice carnival is a magical time! Its such great experience,” said one French tourist.
TitleFinding information on the 1 in Venice
2 of the festivalTraditional masks and 3
During the carnival
“Mrs Mask” shows all the people at the carnival wore 4.
People dressed in the strangest ways dont want to be 5.
Groups of young men 6 parties and festivals and wore colorful stockings to distinguish themselves, which makes themselves 7.
By the 18th centuryThe carnival had reached its 8.
In 1979Carnival that 9 for more than 180 years came back to 10.
【生词注释】
1. carnivaln. 狂欢节; 嘉年华会2. costumen. 化妆服；戏装
3. armedadj. 有武器的；有装备的4. butchern. 屠夫
5. overflowv. 多得使……无法容纳，挤出
根据短文内容，在表格中的空白处填入恰当的单词。注意：每个空格只填一个单词
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, and has long been a favorite destination1 of tourists from all over the world, as well as an important cultural and political center.
With its museums, shops, wonderful historic castle, and many pubs and restaurants, there are many things for visitors to enjoy all year round. And of course, as it is in Scotland, there is a wide range of whiskies to try!
However, there is more to Edinburgh than historic monuments and tourism. Each year, the Edinburgh Festival takes place in the city. In late summer, for three weeks, the festival presents classical music, theatre, opera and dance at six major theatres and concert halls-and several smaller ones-throughout the city. Whatever your cultural tastes are, you are sure to find something to enjoy.
Local talent is always represented2 at the Edinburgh Festival giving Scottish composers and playwrights3 the opportunity to show their work and gain praises from a wider audience.
In addition, orchestras4 and theatre companies come from all over the world to perform at the festival. Last year saw the arrival of orchestras from the United States and Germany.
The festival has now become an important part of Scotlands economy as well as its culture. Last years festival gained over ￡130 million in Edinburgh alone, and across Scotland nearly 2,900 jobs exist as a direct result of the festival.
The festival is so popular that it has become, in some ways, a victim5 of its own success. The huge interest in performing there led to the setting up of a rival festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Fortunately, demand for live entertainment during the summer is so great that both festivals continue to develop.
【生词注释】
1. destinationn. 目的地；终点2. representvt. 表现；描绘
3. playwrightn. 剧作家4. orchestran. 管弦乐队
5. victimn. 牺牲者, 受害者
根据短文内容，按照题目要求回答问题
1. What does the underlined sentence “There is more to Edinburgh than historic monuments and tourism.” mean?（No more than 20 words）
2. How many theaters and concert halls are there in Edinburgh?（No more than 3 words）
3. What has become an important part of Scotlands economy?（No more than 10 words）
4. How often does the Edinburgh Festival take place?（No more than 3 words）
5. Why are there two festivals, the Edinburgh Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?（No more than 10 words.）
