Photos: Venice Carnival 2012: Masked Revelers in Colorful Fluorescent Costumes at the Annual Venetian Festival (PHOTOS)

By Aditi Mathur | Feb 14, 2012 08:32 AM EDT

The Venetian Carnival 2012 kicked off on Feb12 and will conclude on Feb 21. This annual festival features live concerts, parades and various cultural programs including plays and performances by international artists. The event attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Scores of revelers donned in colorful masks and fluorescent costumes gathered at the St Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, on Feb12.

Have a glimpse at the vibrant festival below:

Mardi Gras 2012: What To Know About Carnival History And Traditions

It's almost Mardi Gras 2012, and people around the world are preparing for the carnival season that comes before Lent. But how did Mardi Gras get started? What does its name mean? How did it take root in New Orleans, and how is it celebrated around the world? Here are five things to know about Mardi Gras history and in traditions, from how the holiday is celebrated worldwide to why some believe the carnival's roots lie in ancient Rome.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

The traditional Columbine descends from Saint Mark's tower bell on an iron cable during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 12, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A traditional Venetian mask is displayed at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

Masked revellers pose in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 12, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses near a canal during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 12, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

Costume designer Stefano Nicolao adjusts a dress in his atelier in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A woman looks for a dress at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A traditional Venetian mask is displayed at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

Costume designer Stefano Nicolao adjusts a dress in his atelier in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

Tailors adjust dresses at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designers in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

Hats are displayed at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A man looks for a dress at the atelier of costume designer Stefano Nicolao in downtown Venice February 6, 2012. Nicolao is one of the biggest costume designer in Venice with more than 10,000 costumes, working with theater, cinema and renting during the Venice carnival.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice (PHOTOS)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 12, 2012.

Source: Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice Feb. 12, 2012. The 2012 Venice Carnival happened from Feb. 11 to 21. The annual festival, that starts every year 40 days before Easter, attracts thousands and thousands of visitors turning up to Venice each day for Carnivals. Masks are a key feature of the festival and signify a common identity among the classes. Many events are in store for this year's festival.

Source: Reuters
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