Putting aside for the moment its fears for the future and concerns about overtourism, Venice has kicked off its annual Carnival celebration, one of Europe's most spectacular.
As usual, the festivities began with a regatta, with 700 rowers in over 100 boats, most dressed up in bright colors and decorations rather than the usual black of the Venetian gondola. Traditionally, Venice's Carnival is linked to a rat figure, called the 'tantagana,' and in its honor, the lead boat (above) is dressed as a rat.
Thousands took part in traditional or store-bought masks in the celebration that not only marks the days before the beginning of Lent, but also a Venetian military victory in the 12th century.
TheLocal.it has many more colorful photos.
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