Compagnie della Calza

The members wore distinctive hosiery which gave them their name (calza means sock in Italian) and met to arrange entertainments such as feasts and games.

[1][2] They were founded around the mid 15th century in Venice where they organised the spettacoli cittadin (spectacles of the citizens).

At the annual Carnival of Venice, they arranged a series of performances for the Venetian nobility for which famous jesters of the time were hired.

They also produced plays by famous playwrights such as Angelo Beolco and Pietro Aretino.

During the festa della Sensa, which celebrated the marriage of the city to the sea, elaborate rituals were performed with foreign ambassadors and dignitaries in attendance.