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Test your senses at the Venice Carnival

23rd October 2008

People heading to Venice next February could enjoy the city's annual carnival, this year entitled Sensation 2009.

Between the 13th and 24th of the month, the streets of the historic city will come alive with what the organisers refer to as the "most beautiful carnival in the world".

Each of Venice's six districts will take part in the festivities, with attendees being encouraged to see, feel, touch and smell all that the city has to offer, with each area using one of the senses as its theme.

Across the nine-day event, a number of activities will be taking place, with a party in the region of Cannaregio taking place on Saturday 14th.

The Venice Rowing club will take part in the celebration, putting on a water parade down the city's canals, while the district will show off its local food and drink specialities.

Celebrity-spotters may want to head to the famed Piazzetta San Marco on Sunday 15th as an ancient tradition sees a surprise famous guest flying from the Torre del Campanile to the ground.

Also taking place at the Piazzetta during the event is a Period Costume Festival, which sees the streets filled with artists, performers and people in ancient dress on Sunday 15th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd.

Finally, a party for the whole of the island will wrap up the celebrations on Tuesday 24th, with the organisers promising a surprise ending.

The Venice Carnival is one of the oldest celebrations in Italy, with people first donning masks and taking part in the festivities as early as the 14th century.

Enjoy the carnival while on a Venice break

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