The Carnival of Venice has its roots in Saturnalia, an Ancient Roman festival held every year in honor of the god Saturn. Saturnalia was celebrated after the harvest during the winter solstice and was marked by long festivities. Carnival masks originated from the ancient tradition of allowing slaves to sit at the same table with their masters during Saturnalia, which led people to disguise themselves with masks so that social prejudice would not spoil the festivities.