Celebrating Venice's Carnevale

 

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Spectacular masks, colorful costumes and street festivities come to life during Venice's most famous festival -- Carnevale. Drawing revelers from around the world, this 10-day pre-Lent celebration kicks off Saturday.

Descending into the Piazza San Marco on a cable, the American rapper Coolio guest-starred last year in a tradition called the Flight of the Angel. This ritual, dating back to the 1500s, marks the opening of Carnevale.

A bird flies by the giant letters used for the Flight of the Angel ceremony.

The campanile of the Church of San Marco, Venice's famous 318-foot bell tower, is located in the heart of the city, where much of the Carnevale action happens.

Drummers make their way down the Piazza San Marco.

A procession of beauty queens from San Pietro di Castello to the Piazza San Marco, in a tradition called La Festa delle Marie (The Feast of Marie), commemorates the rescue of Venetian brides from pirates centuries ago.

Flag throwers in Italy play a role in almost every major festival.

Flag throwers in the Piazza San Marco.

A drag queen beauty pageant is part of the Carnevale festivities.

A belly dancer at the exclusive Grand Cavalchina Ball in La Fenice Opera House. During the 18th century, the city's masquerades in the days before Lent were famous throughout Europe. Visitors mingled with Venetian courtesans.

Masqueraders outside Caffè Florian on the Piazza San Marco. During Carnevale, this famous cafe, which has served the likes of Casanova and Henry James, admits only those with the finest costumes.

A lone gondolier on the Grand Canal. On the busiest days of Carnevale, the city's narrow streets are clogged with tourists, but strict water traffic regulations keep the canals peaceful.

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