The Carnival of Venice has got under way in the iconic Italian city, with a stunning show staged on its famous canals. It draws thousands of revellers every year, dressed in masks and period costumes.
The canals come alive as boats surge forward during the water parade. This year’s grand opener was the staging of an aquatic performance. In an homage to the ocean and the moon, a mythical ‘Queen of the Sea’ emerged from the waters of the central Cannaregio Canal, with her entourage of fantastical sea creatures .