Venice Carnival Brings Out the Masks, Regattas and Revelry<br />Time for grand costume balls, fierce mask contests, towering wigs<br />and a parade of preening, strutting revelers as city residents and visitors from around the world take part in its annual carnival.<br />Throngs of visitors from places like South Korea and the United States have already arrived for the festivities,<br />but the pre-Lenten festival is celebrated throughout Italy.<br />The tradition of the mask started in the 13th century, when Venetians held parties<br />before the start of Lent and wore elaborate masks to conceal their identity.<br />Others will follow, and the season it will end on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Martedì Grasso), the day before Ash Wednesday.<br />Traditionally, 12 young women were chosen to represent the city, commemorating the rescue of Venetian brides-to-be from pirates centuries ago.<br />By the 18th century, masks were banned outside during carnival time because they were abused by Venetian gamblers and prostitutes seeking anonymity.
