February is all about the Carnival of Venice

Venice is considered to be the most beautiful city in the world that seldom disappoints its visitors and whose magic captivates everybody in any season, even in the winter, when an iced drizzle covers the entire lagoon and on the streets start to appear fairytale-like silhouettes and magnificent masks. Although threatened on several fronts, pollution and remediation are very real problems, the city remains almost as much close to reality as the real world can be to a fairy tale.

It is said that the Carnival of Venice started from a victory of the "Serenissima Repubblica" against the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrico di Treven in the year 1162. In the honour of this victory, the people started to dance and make reunions in San Marco Square. Apparently, this festival started on that period and became official in the Renaissance. However, under the rule of the King of Austria, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the nineteenth century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations. After a long absence, the Carnival returned to operate in 1979.

Nowadays,a number of approximately 3 million visitors come to Venice every year for the Carnival. One of the most important events is the contest for la maschera più bella ("the most beautiful mask") placed at the last weekend of the Carnival and judged by a panel of international costume and fashion designers. There is no extra charge to go to Venice during the Carnival, though if you want to attend a party or ball these can be quite expensive. The Carnival will expects its quests till 9th of February.