STORY: On Sunday (February 1) the Venice Carnival kicked off with a colourful parade on the Grand Canal featuring the traditional giant rat-shaped structure, which released confetti under the Rialto Bridge in a splendid whirlwind of colours.

However, this edition of the carnival carries an Olympic theme linked to Italy’s hosting of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The Carnival, running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, is titled "Olympus: At the Origins of the Game" and celebrates sport and ancient mythology in the year Italy hosts the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

As usual, revellers got creative, wearing traditional Venetian costumes, Olympic-themed outfits, or even disguising themselves as a Pope.

The Venice Carnival began centuries ago as a period of excess before the rigours of Lent, the 40 days of fasting that traditionally precede Easter. Venetians could then hide their identities behind masks and do as they pleased.

In the eighteenth century masks were used by noblemen in order to keep anonymity while voting on council matters.

Some masks were used to enable people to avoid the bad smell of the canals or if a plague hit the city.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VENICE, ITALY (FEBRUARY 1, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. BOAT WITH LARGE RAT-SHAPED STRUCTURE SAILING IN CANAL GRANDE

2. PEOPLE WEARING COSTUMES ROWING ON BOATS

3. RAT-SHAPED STRUCTURE SAILING

4. PEOPLE LOOKING AT PARADE

5. OLYMPIC-THEMED BOAT SAILING

6. RAT STRUCTURE OPENING RELEASING CONFETTI

7. CONFETTI AND PEOPLE ON BALCONY

8. RIALTO BRIDGE WITH SMOKE AND CONFETTI

9. PARADE ONGOING

10. MAN WEARING POPE COSTUME ON BOAT MAKING SIGN OF CROSS

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) REVELLER FROM SARDINIA, FRANCESCA GIOIAMELIS, SAYING:

“Well, the atmosphere is definitely one of joy for the Games, which should always be valued, just like sport. In short, we should be proud that the Olympics are here in Italy this year and that Italy has so much to offer”.

12. OLYMPIC-THEMED BOAT SAILING

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) REVELLER FROM ROMA, MICHELA GAROFANO, SAYING:

“It's wonderful to see all these people in costume, beautiful, a really nice atmosphere”.

14. PEOPLE WEARING BIRD COSTUMES ROWING ON BOATS

15. PEOPLE WEARING COSTUMES ROWING ON BOATS

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) REVELLER WEARING A FISH COSTUME, MARTINA BOCCARDO, SAYING:

“Joy, happiness, competition, because we are always competitive, so we must be rewarded today.

(JOURNALIST ASKING: What are your hopes for the future, given everything that is happening in the world? What hope can today bring?) Much serenity and peace”.

17. BOCCARDO AND FRIENDS LEAVING WEARING FISH COSTUMES

18. PEOPLE WEARING STAR WARS-THEMED COSTUMES ON BOAT

19. PEOPLE WEARING COSTUMES ON BOAT

20. PARADE ONGOING UNDER RIALTO BRIDGE