Venetian Carnival History

Originally associated with the Catholic religious festival of Lent, the Italian tradition of Carnival is documented to have started as early as the 12th century. Carnevale, as the pre-Lenten festival is known throughout Italy, is believed to have derived its name from the Latin words carne levare - meaning to take away meat. Carnevale (carne + vale) literally translated means 'farewell to meat' - connecting it to the Lenten tradition of fasting
 
Carnevale was a public festival originally celebrated with the pre-Lent sacrificial slaughter of animals in the streets, gradually becoming a more elaborate affair with the wearing of costumes and masks and a certain amount of pageantry.
 
Mask wearing became an everyday occurrence allowing the people in the crowded city of Venice to go about their business in public without class-related scrutiny. This anonymity unfortunately led to a rise in crime and undesirable behaviour, which in turn led to legislation in the 14th century, prohibiting the wearing of a mask in public outside of designated carnival dates.
 
If you are planning on taking a trip to Venice to experience Carnevale first hand, you need to book your trip for these dates: Carnival 2010 - February 5th-16th. Book early to ensure you can get a flight and accomodation - this is Venice's busiest time of year!