A masked parade on the waters of Venice’s canals. The Doge’s ball. Thousands of masks walking around the city. From the party on the Rio del Cannaregio to the parade in Piazza San Marco, where one can see the most beautifully refined costumes. This is the Carnevale di Venezia, and we know it.

But among the well known and loved colors of the city at Carnival time, there are other hidden traditions, curious legends characterized by the presence of a naughty elf, who would put to shame even some of Carlo Goldoni’s most outrageous comedies. We’re talking about the Massariol, or Mazariol, an elf that calls the left bank of the Piave river home.