The Carnival Water Parade marks the opening weekend of the Venice Carnival in Venice, Italy, on Sunday, as boats and floats glide through the city's canals to launch this year's festivities. In keeping with tradition, the procession was led by a gondola carrying a giant papier-mache rat known as the Pantegana — a longstanding symbol of the carnival. The two-week celebration, running from Jan 31 to Feb 17, draws visitors from around the world, filling the lagoon city with music, dancers and elaborate costumes.