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Masks are a major part of Venice
Carnevale
It's surely the most anticipated event on Venice, Italy's cultural calendar – Carnevale, the riotous, indulgent period which, just like Rio's and New Orleans's annual festivities, occur just before the Christian period of Lent. A series of extravagant masquerade balls and gala dinners reminiscent of 17th-and 18th-century Venezia fill social calendars, while the streets bustle with parades, fireworks, music, theater, acrobats, and more. But the most celebrated aspect of the Carnevale is the tradition of wearing exquisite, intricately designed masks, often combined with a hooded cloak to give revelers complete anonymity. The celebration (January 25–February 5, 2008) will cover everywhere from St. Mark's Square to quiet canal-lined streets.
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