A giant rat, 200 euros entry fee and the spirit of Middle Ages: how Venice Carnival 2024, dedicated to Marco Polo, kicked off

The 2024 Venice Carnival, which began on January 27, is dedicated to the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, one of the most famous Venetians. Due to the fact that this year's opening coincided with Holocaust Remembrance Day, it was decided to hold some events in a less pompous format, but the celebration still remains bright and diverse.

The carnival began with the grand opening on the Grand Canal, where a huge installation of a rat with balloons inside swam from St. Mark's Square to the Rialto Bridge. OBOZ.UA decided to tell you more about the celebration and show you photos.

The program of the carnival, which will last until February 14, includes numerous events, including water and land costume parades, concerts, shows on the streets and in cultural centers, contests and performances.

On the streets, you can see people in costumes that look like they've stepped out of medieval portraits, as well as quite modern movie and fairy tale characters.

Most of the events that you can attend until closing time are free, but you will have to pay for performances, balls, and circus shows. In some places, the price reaches 200 euros, which is indicated on the carnival's website.

On February 13, the main costume and mask contest will be held on St. Mark's Square, from 10:00 to 17:00. The participant with the most original outfit will be selected and receive a generous reward. On February 14, the final event will be a Valentine's Day ball.

Marco Polo was born in Venice in 1254 to a merchant family. At the age of 17, he set out on a long voyage to Asia with his father and uncle that lasted 24 years. After returning home, he wrote a book about his travels, which became one of the most important sources of information about unexplored lands.

In Venice, the traveler who helped Europe learn more about Asia is highly honored.

"Venice has always been a bridge between East and West, and Marco Polo was one of those who was able to build this bridge," the mayor of the city Luigi Brugnaro said.

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