Sharjah24 – AFP: Sumptuously-dressed couples promenaded around St Mark's Square in the swirling fog as Venice kicked off its celebrated carnival this weekend -- without the usual crowds of tourists, absent due to the pandemic.

Italy relaxed its coronavirus restrictions on Monday, allowing greater freedoms in most regions. 

Venice is among the areas now under a lower-risk "yellow" category -- but residents are still not allowed to travel outside the region. 

The pandemic has pushed his revenues down 70 percent -- mainly due to the lack of foreign tourists, his main clientele.

The local artisans' association has launched a discount campaign to encourage residents to take part in this year's festivities in the absence of foreign visitors.

Venice authorities were forced to cut short last year's carnival when the pandemic took hold. This year it is moving some of the celebrations online, with videos showing Venetians in full carnival regalia.

A stately dance on the Rialto bridge, performed by a group of carnival-lovers in baroque costumes, is among the scenes that have been filmed.