Venice Carnival resumes after two years without a party; see pictures

Thousands of people enjoyed the start of the annual Carnival celebrations in Venice, marking a slow return to normal life after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the previous two editions.

The Venice Carnival came to a halt in 2020 when the epidemic broke out in Italy. It was then canceled the following year to try to contain infections.

A family dressed up in Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

Revelers at the Venice Carnival pose for a photo by the city’s canal. Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

The rate of new Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations in Italy has been gradually declining in recent weeks, and the government has ended the requirement that people wear masks outdoors in most circumstances.

Local police said about 50,000 people flocked to the city to take part in the celebration. On Saturday (12), a few people were seen in costumes and the weather was calmer than usual.

The seller pushes a cart with typical Venetian carnival masks. Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

Revelers rest on a bench in Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy – Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

The Venice Carnival began centuries ago as a period of excess before the rigors of Lent, the forty days of Lent that traditionally precede Easter. Traditional carnival attire often includes a mask – not as protection from disease as in modern times, but so that festival-goers can hide their identities and do as they please.

A couple poses for a photo under an arch in Piazza San Marco in Venice – Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters