The masquerade party or ball is one in which all guests are in costume and equipped with masks. Historically, the masquerade ball became popular in medieval times, namely in 15th century Italy and were mainly held for society’s elite, nobles, and royalty. These were especially popular in Venice. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries these balls became popular across the rest of Europe. And despite these types of parties having an origin in medieval times, they have not lost popularity over the centuries. These parties continue to remain popular in practice as well as in the movies, such as “Eyes Wide Shut”.

Today, many professional party planners, and amateurs, still hold masquerade balls. In modern-day balls, formal dancing is not as an integral part of the party, but the costume, masks, and party atmosphere is highlighted. Many costume parties and traditions are based on such historical masquerade balls. In present-day, the masquerade is more of a novelty and is held for special occasions, usually for charity events.

Typically, regardless of the reason the party is held, the masquerade ball is set as a guessing game among guests. Because everyone is in full costume with masks, everyone’s identity is somewhat concealed. Each guest plays the game to guess who the other guests are. Because of these identity-guessing games, the ball is graced with an air of mystery and romance.

Many of today’s modern-day masquerade balls are held at large clubs that also are homes to dancing, live music events, and raves. For example, one of these clubs is Atlanta Masquerade. This club has been entertaining the public since the late 1980s. And no wonder the club has such appeal, with a mysterious name as Masquerade. The name of the venue elicits an air of mystery, excitement, and fun to be had. Perhaps the owners chose this name because of the historical building the club inhabits – it was originally built in 1890 and known as the Excelsior Mill and still features the original stone walls, chandeliers, and old mill equipment.

Masquerade is one of Atlanta’s most popular clubs. It attracts all sorts of crowds ranging from the young and older crowds, Goth kids, ravers, old wavers, and also anyone just looking to experience a fun night with great music. The venue is equipped with three levels, combining concert hall and nightclub in one. The uppermost level is called “Heaven” while downstairs is referred to as “Hell”. Appropriately, the mid-level is known as “Purgatory”. Some of Atlanta’s hottest parties have been held at this club as well as some of the most popular performers of the last few decades including Oasis, the Happy Mondays, Orbital, The Orb, BT and so on. When live bands or DJs are not performing, Masquerade plays host to dance parties, foam parties, as well as regular fetish nights where one can experience any fetish imaginable!

Anyone wanting to experience fun and mystery need not attend an actual masquerade ball, but simply to visit the city of Atlanta and its infamous nightclub and venue, Masquerade.