Despite cold temperatures and rain, tourists and residents have paraded around St Marks' Square in Venice and through the city's main streets wearing delicate masks and elaborate costumes. A grand celebration was also held in Rome to embrace the spirit of the Carnival.

 

According to Christian tradition, the carnival is a feast period which occurs before Lent.

Some believe the word itself originates from the Latin expression 'carne vale' - farewell to the flesh - an encouragement to let go of the everyday self and embrace a more carefree celebration.

The first carnival in Venice dates back to 1268.

Its fate has followed the city's fortunes closely and just as Venice fell into decline in the 19th century under Austrian control, so too did the celebrations.

But there has been a huge revival in recent years and many of the old traditions continue to survive.

Among the local craftsmen is Guerrino Lovato, a sculptor who creates masks based on works of art, historical and mythological figures, and the tradition of the "Commedia dell'Arte", a theatrical genre based on improvisation that thrived in Italy between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.