To Venice and Carnevale!

As Kim and I have never been to Carnevale, the Italian Mardi Gras, we had several people encourage us to attend. Carnevale is a pre-Lenten holiday festival celebration which lasts for about 5 -10 days; it's celebrated in cities, towns, and villages all over Italy. This Venetian celebration culminates the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday when Lent, the period of penitence and abstinence for Catholics begins, before Easter.
So, here we go:

Just outside the train station as we begin our journey toward our hotel, the action began.

They let anyone onto the Island as long as you have a mask.... This historically allowed the fishmonger to attend the ball and dance with the baroness.

Over the two days, the costumes and sights were plentiful and quite amazing.

Stores were devoted to masks and other necessary accoutrement.

These kayaks were saving a few bucks, avoiding the gondoliers...

A worse nightmare--being a waiter at Carnevale. Well, someone has to I suppose.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon with the weekend crowds in full force.

At Piazza San Marco, there was a contest for the best costumes & we joined the throngs.

The costumes are used only once; no repeats.

People from all over the world entered; even a couple from Florida.

Many themes.

Many approaches and styles.

Modern....

Back to times of defined roles and hierarchy.

St. Gabriel with a bird's eye view of the festivities, high atop the Campanile di San Marco.

A tiny glimpse of the Basilica di San Marco...

The Clock Tower...It's base is a famous meeting point--punto di incontro.

Hmmmm. A bridal costume. What is she trying to tell us?

I can still hear their hooves going clomp, clomp, clomp along the brick stones.

I am sooo beautiful, can't you seeeeeee?

Family affair...

Splendor!

Is this not the sweetest little face?

So I'm going to let the rest of these beauties speak for themselves. As you can tell, it was a long, intense couple of days!

More to follow.....time to rest.