Venice Carnival Opening - Coolio

The opening ceremony of the 10-day Carnevale di Venezia traditionally begins with the Vollo del Angelo (Flight of the Angel) a slow diagonal descent of an ‘angel’ from the top of the 60-metre high Campanile into the Piazetta San Marco. This tradition received a shot in the arm in 2008 when famed ‘gangsta’ rapper, Coolio, was chosen for the role of angel.

Click photos to enlarge.

photo - crowd awaiting Coolio at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

A column of clowns makes its way through the packed crowd in the Piazzeta San Marco.

photo - crowds waiting for 'descent of Angel' (Coolio) at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

Upturned faces wait for ‘angel’ Coolio to appear.
photo - 'Angel' Coolio at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

 

Coolio begins his descent from the top of the Campanile.

 

photo - Coolio Angel at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

Coolio, perched atop the ‘O’ of ‘Angelo’ (and strapped to the cable with a safety harness).
photo - Coolio at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

 

‘Angel’ Coolio, approaching terra firma, waves to the cheering crowd.

photo - Coolio lands at Venice Carnival Opening 2008

 

Coming in to land amidst showers of tickertape.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

More Carnival photos here.

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2 Responses to “Venice Carnival Opening - Coolio”

  1. GR8 PICTURES GUYS ! I REALI ENJOYED THE DESCRIPTION AND THE PICS :d THANX HEAPS U REALLI HELPED ME UNDERSTAND ABOUT CARNEVALE!

    XXX

  2. […] tower in Piazza San Marco to the loggia of Palazzo Ducale (except in 2008, when the rapper Coolio did the […]

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