Venice Carnival

Back in the 1980s, the annual Carnival of Venice was revived.

It starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras).  It is very popular and the city is extra crowded. 

There are lost of people dressed up and Venetian masks are for sale everywhere.  On the last weekend of Carnival there is a contest for the best mask.

Many of the costumes are quite elaborate.  Here are some of the best ones I saw in Venice.