Spectacular start to Venice carnival season

Floating, illuminated structures and breathtaking light displays over the famed waterways of Venice marked the opening of the lagoon city’s annual carnival.

Revellers wearing elaborate masks paraded through the streets at the nighttime spectacle which kicked off the 2016 edition of one of the world’s oldest carnivals.

Tourists from around the world gathered along the banks of the Cannaregio Canal and nearby bridges to watch the spectacle.