Status: 05.02.2023 4:48 p.m
The carnival in Venice has opened under the eyes of thousands of visitors. Colorful and traditional disguises were presented at a boat parade – and a large rat also floated in front of the Rialto Bridge.
With medieval costumes and a large unicorn bust, artists and actors opened the famous carnival in Italy’s lagoon city of Venice. It is the first time since the beginning of the corona pandemic that the festival can take place without restrictions.
During the roughly hour-long opening ceremony late Saturday night, a boat carrying the statue and dancing performers floated along the central Grand Canal, watched by thousands of visitors along the banks.
A giant rat figure rested on one of the boats – a humorous allusion to the many real rodents in the lagoon city.
Image: AP
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Today a boat parade was a highlight. Costumed people traversed the city’s canals on ornate boats and the famous gondolas. “Take Your Time For The Original Signs” is the theme of this year’s edition. The organizers want to remember the origins of historical carnival festivals in Italy.
The history of the festival in Venice dates back to the Middle Ages. It is also a landmark of the city and last but not least a tourist magnet. The festival is famous for its spectacular costumes and Venetian masks.
In the past few years, the festival has run for three editions under Corona conditions. In 2022, for example, the 2G rule still applied to concerts, performances in theaters and exhibitions.