The world-famous Carnival of Venice is an annual festival held in Italy. The carnival opened this weekend and runs until February 28. Thousands of masked people paraded through the streets of Venice as part of the event. Opening ceremony of this year's carnival — in this photo gallery.
Spectacular Venice carnival
Thousands of masked people paraded through the streets of Venice as part of the city's annual carnival
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Masked women's stand in San Mark's square during the Venice Carnival, in Italy
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno A moment of the the opening show during the Venice Carnival, in Venice
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno Zombies rally the streets during the Venice Carnival
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno A masked group stands in San Mark's square in Venice
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno The opening show during the Venice Carnival
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno St. Mark's square in Venice Carnival
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno People wearing carnival costumes and masks gather in St. Mark's Square during carnival celebrations in Venice
© AP Photo/Luca Bruno