City of Sport: Venice Carnival 2018 opens

Perhaps the world's most famous carnival celebrations outside of Rio de Janeiro's, Venice's 16 days of revelry began on January 27 and ends on February 13, the day before Ash Wednesday. This year's theme is 'Creatum: Civitas Ludens;' which roughly translates from Latin to 'Creativity: City of Sport.'

Locals say that the Venice carnival dates back to 1162, when it was first convened to celebrate a military victory of the Venetian Republic. The carnival was banned under the rule of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II in 1797, and not brought back officially until 1979.

Masks have long played an important role in Venice carnival. There are several distinct styles of mask, including the beaked 'Medico Della Peste' or plague doctor mask. Every year, there is a prize for the most beautiful mask award by an international panel of judges.

Sumptuous dinners and balls in period style are a key element of Venice's carnival — if you can afford the entry price, which may be in the hundreds of euros.

Nowadays, about 3 million party-goers from all over the world descend on the lagoon to partake in the festivities. The party starts with drinking and dancing in Venice's famous Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark's Square.

Firework displays and canal performers are another integral part of the festival. Here, fire eaters delight the crowd during the opening ceremony for the 2018 carnival.