The Carnival of Venice is an old Catholic festival; therefore, it is a religious celebration.  Religious celebrations are usually thought of as rituals or include ritual. (Turner 201).  The main point of the Carnival is that it is one last indulgence before Lent.  "It begins on Ash Wednesday and marks the time spent in the wilderness when Jesus resisted temptation of the devil" (Grolier Educational 62).

Social structure is expressed through Carnival.  Although, communitas is also reflected, only certain people are invited to certain celebrations.  Communitas takes away from social hierarchy.  “It is a bond uniting people over and above any social bands” (Turner 205).  For example, elegant balls are popular during Carnival and most are by invitation only.  However, it is also said that social structure is eliminated during the time of Carnival.  Everyone is equal, hence the idea of communitas.  “The masks and celebration allow abnormal people to engage in normative behavior” (Gaudet 23). “Many people participate in role reversal and masking their identity” (Gaudet 29).  The costumes and detailed masks are intended to disguise people, and make them on the same social levels as all other celebrants.   Carnival may also still exist because it benefits the economy.  Each year many tourists arrive in Venice to celebrate.  The Carnival brings in great amounts of money to the country.  “Many times economies are influenced by tourism and celebrations" (Gotham 1736).

Gender roles and role reversals are also expressed during the Carnival of Venice.  This is a time for people to experiment with other identities and personalities and become someone, or something, else.  Carnival is not only considered a religious celebration; it is also thought of as a transformation of people (Gaudet 32).  The masks are said to “slip on a new skin”; it allows a transformation of one’s identity (Gaudet 33).  Dorson states that, “masks transform not only the physical appearance, but also the psychic personality” (Gaudet 33).  Many times people use this celebration to cover their true selves.  They want to become someone else for a short time, and rid themselves of the problems they may have with themselves.   During Carnival, there is no such idea as “outsiders”.