Around 70,000 people, mostly wearing the colorful masks and theatrical costumes made famous by the
Carnival of Venice, gathered in St Mark's Square on Sunday to watch the traditional start to the annual event.
This year a 20-year-old student, Marta Finotto, had the honor of being chosen to perform the stunt. In the video you can see her gliding on a zip wire from the 99-meter bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica down to the stage below, to enthusiastic applause.
In an interview with the
Telegraph, Finotto said: "The strongest emotion was not the height, hearing the crowd applauding - it is a unique feeling."
"I'm so happy to be the Angel, and so proud to open this year's
Carnival."
Carnival of Venice 2010
Frank Kovalchek
