The Carnival of Venice, one of the world's oldest festivals, began on February 1.
Above: A masked reveler poses along the flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water on the first day of carnival. Venice February 1, 2015.
Above: A masked reveler poses along the flooded St. Mark's Square during a period of seasonal high water on the first day of carnival. Venice February 1, 2015.
Along with the carnivals of Viareggio, Ivrea and Acireale, it is one of the most well-known carnivals in Europe.
Above: Masked revelers walk on raised platforms above flood waters during a period of seasonal high water and on the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: Masked revelers walk on raised platforms above flood waters during a period of seasonal high water and on the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
The first recorded carnival in Venice dates back to 1268.
Above: A masked reveler poses in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: A masked reveler poses in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
The carnival tradition in Venice fell into decline in 18th century, but was revived in 1970s.
Above: Masked revelers pose in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: Masked revelers pose in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
The contest for the most beautiful mask is one of the most important parts of the Venetian carnival.
Above: Masked revelers pose near a canal next to St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: Masked revelers pose near a canal next to St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Masks have always been a central feature of the Venice carnival.
Above: A masked reveler poses in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: A masked reveler poses in front of St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Mask makers, known as 'mascareri', hold a special position in Venetian society, with their own guild founded in 1436.
Above: Iranian mask artisan Hamid works on a carnival mask in his shop "Ca' del Sol" near St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
Above: Iranian mask artisan Hamid works on a carnival mask in his shop "Ca' del Sol" near St. Mark's square during the first day of carnival. Venice, February 1, 2015.
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© AP Photo / Fabio Muzzi
The main feature of the Carnival of Viareggio is the parade of floats and masks depicting caricatures of popular politicians, showmen and athletes.
Above: Floats depicting Italian Premier Matteo Renzi are shown at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
Above: Floats depicting Italian Premier Matteo Renzi are shown at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
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© AP Photo / Fabio Muzzi
The carnival parade is held on the Viareggio avenie, located alongside the beach.
Above: A float depicting United States President Barack Obama called "The Big Cold" is displayed at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
Above: A float depicting United States President Barack Obama called "The Big Cold" is displayed at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
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© AP Photo / Fabio Muzzi
The first carnival parade was held in Viareggio in 1873.
Above: A float depicting Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is shown at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
Above: A float depicting Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is shown at the traditional Viareggio Carnival parade in Viareggio, Italy. February 1, 2015.
