Venice, Italy

January 25-February 5, 2008

First recorded in 1268, the Carnival of Venice ("carnevale" in Italian) began as an underground event that was frowned upon by both the church and state. Yet it remained the world's largest Carnival celebration for centuries. In the 1930s the fascist government officially forbade Carnival, and it did not fully resurface until the '80s. Although no longer the world's Carnival capital, Venice's pageant is one of the most highly polished festivals with beautifully sculpted masks, ornate parades and chic masquerade balls. The festivities can last as long as two weeks, and always lead up to Ash Wednesday.

For more information: Carnival of Venice (official site in Italian)