The oldest document pertaining to the use of masks in Venice dates back to 2nd May 1268. In the document it is written that it was forbidden for masqueraders to practice the game of the ''eggs''. From the early 14th century onwards, new laws started to be promulgated, with the aim of stopping the relentless moral decline of the Venetian people of the day. This restrictive carnival legislation started with a decree on 22nd February 1339 prohibiting masqueraders from going around the city at night. A decree that helps us understand just how libertine the Venetians of the day were, is that of the 24th January 1458 which forbade men from entering convents dressed as women to commit ''multas inhonestates''! In a similar vein, the decree of 3rd February 1603 is interesting in that it attempted to restore morality in the convents. The carnival started three days early with dances in the Corte del Fondaco dei Turchi. The Venetians loved dancing and many other places were popular for this activity the most famous of which is le Zattere.
Today the carneval attracts thousands of people every year from all over the globe.