A party or dance at which fancy masks and costumes are worn. The masquerade originated in Italy, and was introduced into France by Catherine de Medici; reaching England during the reign of Henry VIII, where it flourished under Elizabeth I, giving rise to a new kind of play - the masque. Forbidden in France in 1535, it was reintroduced by Louis XIV, and again proscribed in 1789.

The masquerade continues to this day in Mardi Gras, Carnival, Halloween, Masquerade Balls, parties, parades, festivals and more.