Masked participant standing in the ballroom of a centuries-old palace during Carnival in Venice, Italy

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Carnival is the celebration of the last day before Lent in Venice, Italy. In many Christian cultures, this is a time for feasting and partying before the privations of Lent set in. The Carnival in Venice is said to have originated from an important victory in the war against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, in the year 1162. To celebrate this victory, dances and reunions began to take place in San Marco Square. The first masks were worn in the 13th century. By the 18th century, Venetians wore masks up to six months out of the year, using them to avoid creditors, to remain anonymous and to show off. The popularity of Carnival went through several cycles until Mussolini banned it entirely during the 1930s; but the tradition was revived in 1979, along with the wearing of masks. Carnival is now a popular tourist attraction, and the Gran Ballo della Cavalchina is the most elaborate of the masked balls. During the day, costumed characters readily pose for photographers along the canals and walkways from sunrise to sunset.

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Size: 2848px × 4287px
Location: Campo Santa Sofia, Cannaregio, Venice, Italy
Photo credit: © Curt Wiler / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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