Venice Carnival Information
The
2004 Venice Carnival will last a week longer than normally, running
from 7th February until 24th February, 2004.
The theme of this years carnival, "Oriental Express: Masked
Journey on the Silk Road", recalls Marco Polo and his legendary
journey to the countries of the Far East. The carnival dates have been
extended to accommodate the vast number of acts and events featuring
artists and entertainers from India, Japan, Thailand and China.
This "Oriental Carnival" will still preserve the myths
and customs of the traditional Venetian carnival. The traditional
"Feste delle Marie" and the historical procession will
take place on Saturday February 14 in the afternoon, while the
mythical flight of the Dove from the bell-tower in San Marco is
scheduled for noon on 15th February.
The Childrens version of the Venice carnival will be located
in San Polo Campo, and will take place every day from 10am until
6 pm. Clowns, Street Entertainers, puppet shows will entertain
the younger revellers.
Starting 14th February, almost every day, the stage of San Marco will
host the parade of the most beautiful masks in 18th Century costumes.
In Campo San Maurizio, February 14-21 the play "the return of Marco
Polo from Catai" will be staged.
On 21st February, there will be a Gondola parade " parade
of nations", and in the Cannaregio sestiere the regatta on
the River of San Giobbe is scheduled on the same day.
Traditionally, the Venice carnival is its most entertaining and lively
during the last two or three days. During this period Venice is besieged
by visitors. If you do not like the crowds, try visiting Venice for
the days of the 14th & 15th February, the start of the Carnival,
when a former Miss Italia will descend to the Piazza interpreting the
mythical legend of the Flight of the Dove.
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