Carnival dates back to 1268, and enjoyed its heyday in the 18th century when it was an essential stop on the Grand Tour. Mussolini banned it in the 1930s, and it was only revived again in the late 1970sPhotograph: Christophe Simon/AFPA family wearing costumes rest on a bench in Piazza San MarcoPhotograph: Christophe Simon/AFPThere are dozens of types of masks, and the making of them has turned into a cottage industry Photograph: Christophe Simon/AFPThe most traditional, and expensive, are made out papier mâchéPhotograph: Christophe Simon/AFPThe lagoons and canals add a filmic and surreal quality to proceedingsPhotograph: Christophe Simon/AFPCostumes become ever more exotic and elaborate Photograph: Christophe Simon/AFPAmong other events, the city hosts on a number of masked balls over the 10 days Photograph: Christophe Simon/AFPProcessions invade the streets at all hoursPhotograph: Christophe Simon/AFPAnd Carnival really comes into its own at night ... when the flirting behind the safety of the masks begins Photograph: Christopher Simon/AFP
