Italy's answer to Mardi Gras and Fasching is Carnival, or Carnevale. Visitors and locals flood the city for an orgy of color, pageants, commedia, concerts and balls. The party lasts for 10 days before lent until Shrove Tuesday signals an end to the party. Since 1980, the celebration of Carnival has gained popularity. People come from all over the world to attend private and public masked balls. Masked revelers of all ages invade the campi where music and dancing continues nearly day and night.