The Mattacino
![[A Mattacino armed with eggs]](/files/images/mattacino.jpg)
Mattacino is a sort of clown who wears a feathered hat and a light, short frock that is either white or multi-colored.
It is though the word comes from "mattinate" (matinées) which young patricians in convoys of boats used to perform in spring and summer.
The Venetian Mattacini were famous for firing "perfumed eggs" from slingshots.
This custom was so common there was a lot of business to be made.
There were hundreds of pedlars selling these eggs which were thrown at friends on balconies, accomplices and young girls in love.
