Venice during carnevale sees citizens, together with thousands of visitors from around the globe, take to the streets dressed in elaborate, fantastically masked costumes, providing one of Europe's most visually stunning event.
The Venice Carnival always takes place during the ten days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Carnival, being a pre-Lent festival, means 'farewell to meat' and is celebrated throughout Italy.
It was first held in Venice in the 11th century and consisted of over two months of revelry, until it fell into decline during the 18th century.
It was revived in 1979 with great success and nowadays it is a great excuse to don a mask and costume, parade around the city and enjoy the live music in the main squares of the city.