(Venice) Revelers in disguise, masks and colorful costumes: Venice launched the festivities of its carnival on Saturday, one of the most famous and most photographed in the world, which this year honors Marco Polo.
With the theme “Towards the Orient. The incredible journey of Marco Polo”, the 2024 edition invites you to a “fantastic journey” in the footsteps of the Venetian explorer (1254-1324), on the occasion of the 700e anniversary of his death.
Shrouded in thick fog, the City of the Doges saw its first disguises appear, adorned with masks and colorful costumes, marking the start of the pre-carnival before the official kick-off on February 3.
In addition to street gatherings and events, the weekend is marked on Sunday by the procession of traditional boats which will parade on the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge, under the eyes of thousands of tourists.
“In recent years, I have had the emotion of bringing joy to tourists who ask me for a souvenir photo,” Andrea Vianello, a resident of Venice, dressed in a white mask, told AFP. and a golden feathered hat.
The carnival, which attracts considerable crowds each year, must last until February 13, the date of Mardi Gras which marks the last day before Lent.
This popular festival was created in Venice in 1162 the day after a military victory. Having fallen into disuse for decades, it was brought up to date by the municipality in 1980.
The festivities allow the Serenissima to come alive in the middle of the winter season and are punctuated by masked and costumed evenings.