They are based on carnival, or carnevale, the period just before Lent, as celebrated in the 17th century in Venice, Italy.
Venetian festivals re-create the fantasy of the earlier events with food, costumes, masks, music, theater, juggling and other spectacles.
The masks and costumes are worn by people who often travel from other countries to attend and perform (or parade) in these festivals.
Many involve male and female or group versions and are based on old Venetian characters and costumes.
Once a two-day event on Friday and Saturday, this festival eventually ran from Thursday through Sunday and featured a variety of amusements.