When: From 15^th February to 4^th March, 2014

Where: in Venice, Italy

Venice Carnival takes place in February, in the ten days leading up to Mardi Gras. Carnival, or Carnevale, has been celebrated for centuries throughout Italy. The name derives from the words carne – vale – ‘farewell to meat’ – which explains the function of the celebration: an opportunity to indulge and use up such treats before the start of Lent.

In modern Italy Carnevale is generally a time for children, who can dress up as their favorite cartoon characters such as Harry Potter or as animals. Sometimes the celebrations extend to organized events for the whole community, but on the whole it’s not a very important time for adults.

In Venice, however, the carnival is different. The Tourism Office and hoteliers invite their guests to wear a mask while visiting the city. Since 2008, Carnival has…