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Boat parade celebrate Venice Carnival
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More than one hundred traditional Venetian rowing boats sailed along Venice's Grand Canal in a colorful parade on Sunday, as part of celebrations marking the second day of the Venice Carnival. The Carnival brings 10 days of music and dance to the renowned St. Mark's Square and venues around Venice, and attracts tourists by the thousands.
The parade made its way from Piazza San Marco - Saint Mark's Square - to the Cannaregio district, where they were welcomed by crowds lining the banks of the Rio de Cannaregio.
The boats were piloted by rowers wearing colorful traditional costumes.
The parade stopped briefly at the Tre Archi bridge where the so called Flight of the Rat was launched.
The event is a parody of the more famous Flight of the Angel, one of the highlights of the Venetian Carnival which will be staged at the Piazza San Marco next Sunday.
Giovanni Giusto, President of Coordinamento Associazioni Remiere said "Come to taste, to participate in the real Venice. There is the need to express ourselves, to hold on to our traditions, like Carnival, in this day dedicated to what is truly Venetian, where Venetians aren't actors but are themselves spontaneously and where guests are invited to get involved."
After the ceremony, Venetians and tourists tucked into traditional carnival delicacies at the free gastronomic stalls arranged on both sides of the canal.
Carnival, celebrated around the world, is a time for feasting and merry-making before Lent, the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter, observed by Christians as a season of fasting and penitence.
The Venice Carnival dates back to 1268.
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