The Italian city of Venice was flooded with colours on Feb 12, as the Venice Carnival witnessed revellers in elaborate masks and flamboyant costumes, kicking off the annual event in style. The Carnevale di Venezia is one of the oldest carnivals in the world.
Thousands of people dressed up in beautiful costumes and paraded through the ancient streets of Venice with central St. Mark's Square being the starting point of many festivities throughout the carnival fortnight.
This year the theme of the carnival was "CREATUM Vanity (af) fair". Many of the revelers created their own outfits with innovative ideas. Visitors from Italy as well as from different parts of the world enjoyed the two-week long carnival. As a part of the event, masked balls were organized in ancient Venetian palaces, while concerts and gondola parades were held in the piazzas and canals.
