The document discusses Carnival traditions in Italy. It is celebrated with masked balls, parades, dances, and marks the period before Lent. The celebrations originated from pagan festivals using masks to ward off evil spirits. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Carnival celebrations were introduced in European courts. Today, Carnival is an opportunity for fun expressed through costumes, parades, and festivals. The document also provides descriptions of common Carnival character masks from different Italian regions such as Pulcinella from Naples and Pantalone from Venice.