Description:When masked men and women parade down the iconic waterways of Venice, it's time for the city's annual carnival. The 17-day celebration began centuries ago as a period of excess before Lent, the 40 days of fasting that precedes Easter. Venetians would hide their identities behind elaborate masks and do as they pleased. A tradition that tourist Iolanda Parra said is even more vibrant in-person.(1:07)