Women wearing historical costumes are carried through Saint Mark's Square in a procession, called the "Festa delle Marie", marking the start of the carnival in Venice February 15, 2009. The procession is in memory of the liberation of young brides who were kidnapped and robbed of their jewels by Istrian pirates in 948 A.D.
A masked reveller stands near St Mark's square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 14, 2009.
Masks hang the wall of the shop near St Mark's square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 14, 2009.
Masked revellers stand in front of gondolas near St Mark's square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 14, 2009.
Masked revellers rest at an entrance of Doge's Palace near St Mark's square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 14, 2009.
