The famous Venice Carnival started
The Venice Carnival has begun. The famous San Marco Square, the labyrinthine streets, but also the gondolas on the Grand Canal are full of hustle and bustle, Commedia dell'Arte masks and sumptuous period costumes. Balls and banquets are held in elegant taverns, restaurants and palaces, and parades, firework displays and serenades flood Venice with good cheer. The atmosphere is typical Venetian: stalls with carnival masks have been set up everywhere, merchants sell souvenirs at every step, and scammers make the atmosphere truly fairytale.
Every year at this time, all the streets, canals and squares of Venice are full of color, music, mystery and good mood. The city turns into a huge stage with endless shows and carnival parties. The tradition is more than eight centuries old, but since 1979, since it has been organized annually, this event has practically become global and is increasingly linked to world cultures.
Several hundred boats paraded on the Grand Canal, led by the legendary "Pantegana", 7 meters long, which became one of the symbols of the Venetian carnival. The most crowded, however, are the opening and closing ceremonies of the carnival.
This year, the Carnival will end on February 21. Until then, Venice will be a real open-air theater.
