Crowds flock to Venice as world-famous carnival recovers former glory

Thousands of visitors crowded the narrow bridges and canal banks of Venice on Saturday to watch a floating parade that marked the start of the city's world-famous carnival, which is back to normal this year after it was scaled down during the pandemic. The carnival famed for its lights, dancers and costumes started in the 11th century as a celebration before Lent and now attracts tourists from all over the globe.