Artist performs during the 'Tutta colpa della Luna' or 'Blame the Moon' festivities down the Rio di Cannaregio, one of Venice's famed canals on Monday.

VENICE: Venice kicked off its annual Carnival festivities on Saturday with a floating, night-time parade down the Rio di Cannaregio, one of the city's famed canals, starting more than two weeks of celebrations that draw flocks of masked revellers.

Spectators lined the canal as elaborately decorated boats, accompanied by music, made their way down the waterway. The celebrations that precede the period of fasting before Easter will culminate on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, on March 5.

"Blame the moon" is the theme of this year's parade, a spokeswoman said, to mark 50 years since man first walked on the moon, and in reference to Shakespeare's play Othello, where the moon is blamed for driving men mad.

The Venice Carnival tradition dates back centuries and is famous for the stylised masks donned by revellers. In recent decades, the event has become a major tourist attraction for the city. (Reporting by Antonio Denti, writing by Steve Scherer Editing by Clelia Oziel)

Celebrate the famous Carnival of Venice in the elegant atmosphere of Baglioni Hotel Luna, just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square.

Do not miss the extravagance party taking place on the main Saturday night.

The appointment will be at 7.00 pm in the warm atmosphere of our Fireplace Room for a Welcome Cocktail: just in front of the warm lighted-on fireplace you will savor the typical Venetian Canapès while sipping the renown Bellini and Rossini Cocktails, created for you, by our Barman.

During the cocktail you will be welcomed by our comic masked characters “Arlecchino, Colombina & Pantalone” with their screamingly funny sketches.

Starting from 08.00 pm the evening will continue in the marvellous Marco Polo Ballroom, a real artistic jewel with the original frescoes of the XVIII Century of the School of Tiepolo, where our Chef will surprise you with a refined Carnival dinner.

Be tempted by the typical Venetian delicacies: Frittelle and Galani, prepared with an exclusive recipe!!

A Dance Master and his Lady will teach you the basic steps of typical baroque dances throughout the evening: delight yourselves with the Venetian dances!

We will make you dance till late with the dance music of our Disk-Jockey: international covers, rock, group dances, and music by ‘70s and ‘80s...

An unforgettable evening waiting for you in the historical building of Baglioni Hotel Luna just few steps from Piazza San Marco, to celebrate the traditional Carnival of Venice!

Agencies