World-famed Carnival of Venice opens

The world famous Venice Carnival celebrations kicked off on Sunday afternoon with a traditional parade along the Canal Grande led by the “pantegana", a boat depicting a giant water rat.

Carnival tradition began in Venice during the 11th century and has attracted large numbers of visitors ever since.The festive procession sailed across the City of Water with performers wearing colourful, traditional costumes and masks.This year, the Venice carnival runs from February 4 to 21, leading into the Roman Catholic period of Lent.