AP dispatch from the opening of the Venice carnival

Описание: (31 Jan 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Venice, Italy - 31 January 2026
1. Various of people in costumes in Venice St. Mark’s Square
2. Close of a mask representing Venice's symbolic lion
3. Man dressed as Venice's lion standing next to another man dressed like the city of Venice
4. Various of a man dressed with an 18th-century inspired costume, wearing makeup inspired by the “Olympus” theme of the carnival
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Silvia Stellacci, The Associated Press:
"Venice has officially slipped into Carnival mode. It kicked off on Saturday with thousands of tourists and Venetians flocking into St. Mark's Square wearing colorful masks. Here we can see classic costumes from the Venetian traditions, with women dressed like 18th-century ladies, but we can also see more eccentric costumes like those inspired by animals and fantasy figures. One of the most recognizable and common masks is this one: the Colombina. It only covers the eyes, light and playful, and it’s often used by those who want to step into the Carnival spirit without hiding completely. It's a simple mask, but it's a very, very fun way to experience the carnival season."
6. Various of a woman in an 18th-century costume
7. Various of men dressed like birds
8. Various of woman in an 18th-century costume posing for pictures
STORYLINE:
Venice carnival kicked off on Saturday with tourists and Venetians flocking to the main St. Mark's square, many dressed in colourful costumes.

The 2026 edition is titled “Olympus. Back to the origins of the games" to pay homage to the 2026 Winter Olympics that will take place mainly in Milan and Cortina starting from 6 February.

The carnival opened with street shows spread across the city and a ball inspired by the Netflix "Bridgerton" TV series in St. Mark's Square.

The main official event usually marking the beginning of the Venice Carnival, a boat parade in the Grand Canal, will take place on Sunday.

The parade will see about 100 boats dressed in costumes with crews of Venetians rowing through the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge.

AP video by Silvia Stellacci

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