Also Putignano is well known because of the Carnival, considered one of the main carnivals in Italy since it is the oldest (dated from 1394) and longest Italian carnival: it starts the day after Christmas and finishes the day before the ash Wednesday.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Italy
Carnival in Spain. Find out more about the Carnival in Spain. Each region celebrate the Spanish Carnival in a different way. Learn more about it! Read the Spanish version.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/carnival-in-spain
Venice [edit]. The carnival in Venice was first recorded in 1268. The subversive nature of the festival is reflected in the many laws created over the centuries in Italy attempting to restrict celebrations and often banning the wearing of masks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Italy
Carnevale was also outlawed by the fascist government in the 1930s, and it was not until 1979 that Carnevale enjoyed a revival. Venetian masks can be made in leather or with the original papier-mache mâché. technique
http://www.globalkidsoz.com.au/carnevale_in_italy.php
Parts of the Carnevale traditions likely reach back to pre-Christian times. The ancient Roman festivals of the Saturnalia (in honor of the God of agriculture and harvest Saturn) and Bacchanalia (in honor of the God of wine Bacchus) are a probable origin of the Italian Carnevale. These festivals, in turn, may be based on the Greek Dionysia and other Oriental festivals.
http://www.globalkidsoz.com.au/carnevale_in_italy.php
The most famous carnivals of Italy are those held in Venice, Viareggio, Ivrea, Cento, Gambettola, Satriano and Acireale.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Italy
Perhaps the most intensely celebrated Carnival event in Spain likely takes place in southern Spain and the Canary Islands. The largest fiestas are found in Cadiz, in Andalusia, and Tenerife in the island of Las Palmas.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/carnival-in-spain
The Carnevale of Venice was for a long time the most famous Carnevale. From Italy, Carnevale traditions spread to Spain, Portugal, and France. From France, they spread to the Rhineland of Germany, and to New Orleans. From Spain and Portugal, they spread to Latin America.
http://www.globalkidsoz.com.au/carnevale_in_italy.php
Carnival in Spain is known for its vibrant costumes and masks; although the Carnival celebration in Spain is not as esthetically beautiful as in Venice nor as over the top and dance orientated as in Brazil. It is a charming event in which people of all ages participate and enjoy, even those with little resources.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/society/holidays/carnival-in-spain
The carnival in Verona is celebrated with a parade of carri allegorici on the Venerdi Gnocolar, which takes place on the last Friday of Carnival, when people eat traditional potato gnocchi.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_in_Italy
why do people hold carnivals in italy?
People hold Carnivals in Italy as the subversive nature of the festival is reflected in the many laws created over the centuries in Italy attempting to restrict celebrations and often banning the wearing of masks.