The carnival of Venice

The carnival was originally an ancient Roman festival which has characterised by feasting, gift-giving and role reversal. Many people believe that the name "carnival" is derived from the Latin "carne vale", which means "farewell to meat". It marked the end of winter and the time to use up any meat that people had stored in their homes before it became inedible due to te warmer temperatures. One of the most common features of carnivals was for revellers to disguise themseleves br dressing up and wearing masks.

By the mid 17th century, the carnival of Venice had become the most famous. It was a time for rich and poor to forget their class differences and unite in celebration. This was made easier by the wearing of masks, which hid the identity, and class, of the wearer. People woud meet in the town's squares where there would be a lot of food, wine, dancing and entretainment. The festivities stopped at the end of the 18th century when Venice became part of the Austrian empire and the canival was banned.

In 1979, the Venice Carnival was reinstated, and since then, its popularity has grown and grown.

The tourists love it, but not so the Venetians.

Many residents even leave the city during the carnival period in order to avoid the mobs of tourists.