Carnevale in Italy adds a splash of brightness to the gloomy, chilly winter months. A massive farewell party to eat, drink, and have fun before the limitations and solemnity of Lent. About a month before Ash Wednesday, Italians celebrate over many weekends with big parades, fancy masks, and tons of brightly colored confetti. The origins of this event may be traced to ancient Greece and Rome, when they worshipped Bacchus and Saturn. Some think they date back to archaic winter-to-spring ceremonies. Despite its pagan origins, the event was so extensively celebrated and the tradition so powerful that it was swiftly altered to fit into Catholic rituals. Carnevale is traditionally celebrated on Fat Tuesday (February 21 in 2023), but the weekend prior features just as large or maybe more significant activities. The most famous carnivals in Italy are those held in Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Apulia and Acireale. These carnivals include sophisticated masquerades and parades. Venice The carnival in Venice was first documented in 1296, with a proclamation by the Venetian Senate announcing a public festival the day before the start of Lent. Unquestionably one of the most well-known Carnival festivities in the world, the Carnival of Venice is rife with mystery, adventure, and conspiracy. The day served to break down barriers between people of different economic standings and religious beliefs. During the Renaissance, masked comic performers performed in Venice's piazzas. In 1979, the holiday reappeared to celebrate Venice's history and culture. Today, about 3 million people travel to Venice to take part in the famous Festa Veneziana. This makes it the most important event in the city and the biggest carnival celebration in Italy. Viareggio The Carnival of Viareggio is the second-most popular in Italy. It lasts a month with night and day celebrations, floats, parades, district celebrations, masked dances, and other shows. The first masquerade took place in 1873, in response to the upper classes' dissatisfaction with having to pay hefty taxes. Thousands of travelers go to Italy for parades, carnival masks and costumes, concerts, and music. Ivrea The Historic Carnival of Ivrea is mostly known for its Battle of the Oranges, allegory of struggle for freedom. It is valued as one of the most ancient carnivals in the world. The fight commemorates Ivrea's rebellion against Napoleonic troops in 1194. The miller's daughter, "la Mugnaia," allegedly killed the city's dictator after he tried to kidnap her, sparking an uprising