Revelers in masks and period costumes join a parade during the annual Carnival of Venice on Saturday, drawing tourists and flocks of creative people to the Italian city on water from around the world. /VCG Photo

This year's festivities are held under the theme of "Tutta colpa della Luna," or "Blame the moon" – a tribute to the 50th anniversary of man's first steps on the moon as well as a reference to Shakespeare's play "Othello," in which the moon is blamed for making men mad. /VCG Photo

The Venice Carnival, renowned for its elaborate masks made of leather, porcelain or glass, is believed to date as far back as the year 1162, when the Republic of Venice defeated the Patriarch of Aquileia. /VCG Photo

To commemorate the victory, the people began a tradition of slaughtering pigs and bulls, which has now been transformed into carnival parades that have become a major tourist attraction for the city. /VCG Photo