Thousands of tourists and visitors have flooded the northern Italian city of Venice as the iconic annual carnival, which is world famous for its elaborate masks, kicked off on January 27. Covering faces in public has a long history in Venice, which is believed to be a unique response by the city’s inhabitants to the rules, according to which people should dress based on their profession and social class. However, during carnival season, people could dress as they liked instead of according to society’s dictates. Today, the Venice Carnival is a huge celebration that goes on for two weeks.
A masked reveller poses during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 27, 2018.
A tightrope walker performs during the opening ceremony of the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 27, 2018.
Venetians row during the masquerade parade on the Grand Canal during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
Dancers from South Korea perform during the Carnival in Saint Mark square in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 27, 2018.
A masked reveller poses for a photographer during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
A masked reveller wearing a traditional carnival costume poses in St Mark Square during Venice's Carnival on January 28, 2018.
Venetians row during the masquerade parade on the Grand Canal during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
A man takes a picture from a window during the masquerade parade on the Grand Canal during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
Revellers are seen during the masquerade parade on the Grand Canal during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, January 28, 2018.
Revellers dressed in Asian costumes take part in the Venice Carnival on January 27, 2018.
A masked reveller wearing a traditional carnival costume poses in St Mark Square during Venice's Carnival on January 28, 2018.
