The fourth edition of Carnevale Romano has been organised by Rome's city council to celebrate the traditional carnival season. Taking place from 11-21 February, the carnival brings parades, theatre, music and colour to the streets and squares of the capital, with costumes provided by Rome's opera house.

Carnival is the period of fun and festivities that runs up to the 40-days of fasting and prayer that Christians observe during Lent, which this year begins on 22 February.

The programme begin at 16.00 on Saturday 11 February with a parade on horseback down Via del Corso, involving over 100 horses, carriages, theatrical groups and equestrian associations including the state police