Italy's famed Carnevale was first documented in 1296, although it may date back further. The festival began as a way to mark the start of Lent and celebrate the approaching arrival of spring.
Although multiple cities throughout Italy host their own Carnevales, including Rome and Florence, Venice holds the most elaborate and revered celebration.
Popular features at Carnevale include elaborate balls, street performances, live theater, concerts, food booths, and arts-and-crafts displays.
As many as 1 million people may congregate in Venice each February to celebrate Carnevale.
A centuries-old tradition, wearing masks remains one of the most important aspects of Carnevale. Although today they are mostly worn for fun, masks originally protected people from whatever social liberties they might take during the festival.
