Behind the mask at Venice's Carnevale

By Vanessa Dones

VENICE, Feb.20 - Each year more than a half-a-million people flood the roads of Venice for Carnevale. The normally quiet, narrow streets are filled with the brightly colored costumes and lively music to mark the celebration.

One of the staples of Carnevale is the brightly decorated masks which everyone wears. Everyone associates these works of art with the 20-day-celebration, but little is mentioned about the mascareri or mask makers who spend most of the previous year preparing for this special time.