The Venice Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest. This congregation of masked people, called Venice Carnival, began in the 15th century, but the tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 14th Century.The hundreds-year-old event is a public party ahead of the Roman Catholic fasting month of Lent. Known as the world's most delicious festival, Carnival runs through Feb. 17, with thousands of participants expected to roam through Venice's famous canals and narrow streets wearing detailed masks and costumes over the next few weeks. For those unable to pack elaborate costumes in their luggage, shops around the city rent or sell every detail needed to participate in the revelry.