A week ago, a gigantic rat swam across the Grand Canal. With her, a decorated boat in the form of a rod, the carnival of Venice was opened. Hundreds of thousands are coming to the already popular lagoon city these days to see and be amazed - and many in magnificent costumes to be seen.

However, the famous festival will not reach its peak until this weekend: On Saturday, the masked parades begin on the catwalk of St. Mark's Square, where people compete for the most beautiful mask day after day. At the "Festa delle Marie", twelve Venetian girls parade through the city.

The accompanying program is extensive: masked balls, banquets, gondola parades, hard rock nights and youth carnival are listed. The entrance fees are extremely high, the rental fee for rococo outfit and feather mask also. And visitors should also bring patience with them: last year, at least, the access controls at St. Mark's Square caused longer waiting times at the metal detector.

And then, in the traditional "Volo dell'Angelo", the "Angel Flight", a white-dressed and winged young woman floats from the belfry on Sunday. In addition, the "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert will sound. 70,000 people are then expected alone in front of the Basilica di San Marco, writes the "Corriere della Sera", there are barriers everywhere. "For the Venetians, that's the nightmare."

photo gallery


15 pictures

Venice in a costume frenzy: lots of tulle, lots of pose

Among the crowds that still lurk until 4 March through the streets are probably only a few locals. This is what the article in the Italian daily newspaper suggests. "Nobody in possession of his intellectual abilities wants to live in Venice during these weeks, nobody," says a letter from local residents, published by Corriere on his website. "The city, which is already permanently overrun, is currently the equivalent of an anthill that has been cruelly covered and now displays ants that are misguidedly disoriented."

"We want to be free, say no"

The inhabitants complain in the letter about the filth left by the tourist crowds - and they complain that no one protects the city as necessary. "The ministers and other important people always emphasize that Venice is a work of art," it says. "But even in dilapidated museums, artworks are protected - with glass, certain temperatures, and consideration for not too strong exposure to light.

"We want to be free to say no to this unorganized intoxication," says the letter. The Venetians no longer want to endure the restrictions of public life.