The carnival of Venice is one of the most famous carnivals around the world, and a charming characteristic of the city. Its origins are centuries old, and it still attracts thousands of tourists each year to admire the sumptuous costumes and masks parading in the streets. Creating masks is not just an art in Venice, but also a tradition dating back hundreds of years in the past. The carnival became internationally famous and prestigious in the 18th century, when it reached its widest fame. It was in this period that the writer Casanova spent his life in Venice between wild parties and love affairs. Wearing masks and costumes made it possible for people to hide any differences of class or status. At the end of the century, the tradition of wearing masks was forbidden, and the carnival survived only in some islands of the lagoon. It was only in 1979 that the ancient tradition was restored, in the form still seen today. The magic of carnival gives an enchanted atmosphere to Venice. masked people fill the streets with smiles and laughter, and several events are organized all around the city. The carnival usually lasts a couple of weeks, but the most important days are those between the last Thursday and the very last Tuesday. However, the weekends are usually the privileged time for tourists and visitors. On the last Sunday and last Tuesday of carnival, a big wooden stage hosts the award ceremony of the best masked costume. It is elected after several parades that take place during the central days of the festival. This stage is also the theater of different plays, where traditional masked characters interpret comic adventures.One can also participate in the sumptuous masked parties in the 18th century style, organized in ancient Venetian buildings.