It is February in Venice and Carnevale has begun. As the morning sunlight silvers the light powdering of snow on the roof tiles and chimneys of Venice, masks and costumes begin to appear in the calli. There are shouts of "brava" and "bravo" as the morning shoppers applaud their progress...

In Piazza San Marco workmen are erecting the huge chandeliers which will turn the space described as the world's greatest dining room into an open air ballroom. The square is almost empty now except for a group of fur coated venetian women who stand chatting as their children, dressed as clowns and aristocrats, throw confetti over one another.

Near the entrance to the square, a reproduction of a floating stage used in the carnivals of 18th century Venice slowly appears through the lagoon mist. The high tide slaps against the row of snow covered gondolas tied up along the Molo, flooding the promenade and forming a huge pool in front of the church of St. Marco. Nobody seems concerned; it will receded again by early afternoon.

Revellers are flying in front all over the world to take part in Carnevale, one of Europe's oldest and most enchanting festivals. For six days and nights the crowds will carouse in the streets and squares of Venice until the Marangona, the big bell in the Campanile, begins to toll at midnight signalling the beginning of Lent. The final day, Martedi Grasso or Fat Tuesday, is the climatic day of Carnevale when processions wander up and down the grand canal. Hundreds of fairy lights and lanterns are reflected in the waters of the canals. Fireworks over the water at night set the sky ablaze with festive light.