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:

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. Reuters
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Venetian Carnival in Venice PHOTOS
A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012. Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice PHOTOS
Masked revellers pose in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012. Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice PHOTOS
A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 11, 2012. 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. Reuters
Venetian Carnival in Venice PHOTOS
A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark's Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 12, 2012. Reuters
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