Masks ‘n’ masquerades: Stunning pictures from the Venice Carnival 2016

The Venice Carnival — famed for its elaborate processions, celebrations, extravagant costumes, and of course Venetian masks — is on till February 9. Here a few snapshots from the extravaganza this year. (Source: Reuters)

Two carnival revellers masquerade as Leonardo da Vinci's painting 'Mona Lisa' pose in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy on January 31, 2016. Carnival-goers in Venice are being asked by police to momentarily lift their masks as part of new anti-terrorism measures for the annual festivities. (Source: AP)

People fill St. Mark's Square in Venice to watch the 'Flight of the Angel' on Jan 31, 2016, as a woman dressed in a traditional costume descends from the bell tower into the square. (Source: AP)

Irene Rizzi (center) poses with a man impersonating the Doge of Venice, right after descending from the bell tower into St. Mark's Square. (Source: AP)

Artists blow bubbles in St. Mark's Square. (Source: AP)

People wearing costumes gather in St. Mark's Square. Police are also examining backpacks and bags and using metal-detecting wands before revelers are allowed into St. Mark’s Square — the heart of the Venetian carnival. (Source: AP)

A Police officer inspects a man wearing a carnival costume in Venice. People attended the carnival under heightened security following the sexual assaults on New Year's Eve in Cologne, and the ongoing terror threat in Europe. Authorities have increased surveillance throughout the city — including the number of officers on patrol — both under-cover and in uniform. (Source: AP)

A participant salutes in St. Mark's Square. (Source: AP)

Colourful masked people pose in St. Mark's Square on the occasion of the Venice Carnival on January 30, 2016. (Source: AP)

As if from a snap from a historical scene, revellers sit at the Caffe Florian coffee shop in Saint Mark's Square during the Venice Carnival. (Source: Reuters)

Carnival masks hang on the wall of a shop near St. Mark's Square during the Venice Carnival. Mask-making is considered to be one of the most prestigious skills in Venice. (Source: Reuters)

Can you guess who he is? A masked reveller poses at Piazza San Marco during the Venice Carnival. (Source: Reuters)

These masked revellers at Piazza San Marco are a perfect example of the Venetians' dedication and enthusiasm for the Venice Carnival. (Source: Reuters)

In this picture dated January 30, 2016, the 'parade of the Maries' is shown crossing St. Mark's Square. The tradition dates back to several centuries when 12 of the most beautiful young women of humble origins were provided dowry for marriage. (Source: AP)

A masked reveller poses during the Venice Carnival in Piazza San Marco on January 30, 2016. The practice of mask-making in Venice dates back to 13th century. (Source: Reuters)

A masked reveller poses in Piazza San Marco. The original Venetian masks weren't so bedazzling — they were known for their simplicity and practical function. (Source: Reuters)

Masked revellers pose during the Venice Carnival, in Piazza San Marco. Modern Venetian masks are made using gesso and gold leaf, and hand-painted with fine feathers and gems — making them, understandably, very expensive. (Source: Reuters)

A masked reveller examines self in a hand-mirror in Piazza San Marco. (Source: Reuters)

The traditional 'Maries' are being carried during the 'Festa delle Marie' procession in San Marco Square on January 30, 2016. (Source: Reuters)

A masked reveller poses in Piazza San Marco. The traditional practice of mask-making in Venice is on the decline due to the availability of mass-manufactured American masks. (Source: Reuters)

Masked revellers pose against the backdrop of one of the canals of Venice. (Source: Reuters)

No, he (or she?) is not jumping from a great height. A masked reveller poses in Piazza San Marco. (Source: Reuters)

A masked couple poses in St. Mark's Square. The Carnival allows for spontaneous acts of celebration, dance and music. (Source: AP)

Masked revellers pose in Piazza San Marco. The Venice Carnival is also known for the social transgressions that are forgiven under the concealment of the masks. (Source: Reuters)