Carnival

Ten days of decadence
Word to the wise: You'll need to book hotels well in advance around carnival time.

Dating back to the 15th century, this decadent festival of fun begins two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday ('Mardi Gras'). Hundreds of events are centered around the Piazza San Marco, including masked balls, parades, pantomimes, burlesque shows, puppet shows, classical concerts and ice skating. Most events are free, and it's not unusual for participants to stay in their spectacular costumes morning, noon and night. Masks can be bought from several places in the city, costing anything from EUR 10-250, and it's almost mandatory to wear one at least once during the festival.
Originally, the carnival was a way to bridge social divides; wearing masks protected a person's identity and all classes could mix together. Today, remaining incognito is all part of the fun, though it can feel like one vast, surreal speed-dating event, drifting from square to square talking to strangers in bejewelled fake faces.