Thousands of people enjoyed the start of the annual celebrations of the Venice Carnival this Saturday (12), marking a slow return to normality after the pandemic of Covid-19 reach the two previous editions.
The 2020 Venice Carnival, which usually attracts tourists from around the world, was halted when the pandemic broke out in Italy in February of that year and then canceled the following year as the government tried to contain infections.
“This is the Carnival of hope,” said Cristian Scalise, a resident of Venice. “Covid is ending and we hope to get back to our life as usual.”
The rate of new Covid infections and hospitalizations in Italy has been gradually decreasing in recent weeks and the government this week ended the requirement that people wear masks outdoors under most circumstances.
However, some Carnival attractions, such as parades, will remain suspended to avoid contagion, the authorities have determined.
“I came here because I missed Carnival so much and because we haven’t been able to celebrate it for two years,” said Bárbara del Prato, from the city of Parma. She had traveled to Venice with her entire family, all dressed in elaborate attire.
About 50,000 people came to the city to participate in the celebration, Ansa news agency reported, citing local police.
The Carnival of Venice began centuries ago as a period of excess before the rigors of Lent, the 40 days of fasting that traditionally precede Easter. Traditional Carnival attire often included a mask – not as protection against disease as in modern times, but so that revelers could hide their identities and do as they pleased.
This Saturday, only a few people were seen wearing costumes and the mood was more subdued than usual, but that should change in the coming days with this year’s edition, titled “Remembering the Future.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t see the (Venetian Carnival) masks I expected, but it’s a fresh start,” said Ketty Milano, a resident of Venice.
Carnival runs until March 1st.
Source: CNN Brasil
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