performs the traditional "Flight of the Angel" ..Venice, northern Italy,

U.S. rapper Coolio performs the traditional "Flight of the Angel" hanging from a cable tied from the bell tower to a St. Mark's Square in Venice, northern Italy, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. During this centuries-old rite which marks the official beginning of Venice's Carnival celebrations, Coolio scattered paper confetti on spectators below. The week-long carnival festivities in the historical lagoon city attracts people from around the world.

Masked people crowd in Venice's St. Mark's Square during the official beginning of Venice's Carnival celebrations, northern Italy, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008. The week-long carnival festivities in the historical lagoon city attracts people from around the world.