
The origins of carnival dates back to the ancient civilizations. In Egypt groups of people, wearing masks attended the celebrations in honor of the goddess Isis. In Greece, Dionysian celebrations were moments of debauchery and jokes, but it is the Roman Saturnalia feast that inspired the medieval carnival parties.
The Saturnalia was the celebration of god Saturn dedicated to fertility and the breaking of social rules., orgiastic festivals with public entertainment, dances and masks occurred for several days.
Carnival is the celebration of the rebirth of nature
Since medieval times the Popes organized parties and events providing leisure time before the restrictions of the Lent.