The Venetian ^® Macao has brought its iconic, free-admission carnival festivities back for a fourth year with an exciting array of brand new performances at the integrated resort's outdoor lagoon area with The Venetian Carnevale 2014. Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, The Venetian Carnevale has transformed the Venetian lagoon into a fun-filled Italian carnival, with celebrations and festivities ongoing from now until April 13.

An opening ceremony Friday evening was presided over by officiating guests Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macau Government Tourist Office; Paola Guida, trade commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission; and Olaf Gueldner, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Sands China Ltd., who launched the 17-day festival by releasing a life-size jack-in-the-box. The fun-filled ceremony also saw jugglers, mime acts, acrobats and dancers entertaining and amusing the crowd.

"Our amazing carnival celebration is now in its fourth year, and we are so proud to bring you this annual signature event at The Venetian for you and all family visitors to enjoy," said Gueldner. "The carnival has already become an important part of Sands China's multi-tiered entertainment strategy, aiming at diversifying Macao's tourism offering, thus strengthening its position as a world centre of tourism and leisure and one of the premier entertainment destinations in the region."

A highlight of this year's exciting line-up at The Venetian Carnevale is the lagoon spectacular, Venetian Light Storm, featuring the Lords of Lightning. One of the most unique and fascinating shows ever to appear in Macao, Venetian Light Storm harnesses 4 million volts of live raw electricity into a mystical flow of oscillating chaos, with two performers weaving shards of coruscating electricity into a fluid dance before breaking out into a primal battle of crackling energy. The performance also includes flame effects and pyrotechnics, plus electrostatic images, lightning and other effects projected onto a water screen. This is the first time the Lords of Lightning have appeared in Asia, making this a must-see attraction at The Venetian Carnevale 2014.

Festive activities also include the Tunnel of Lights, non-stop street entertainment, a carousel, speed spray painting, live musical performances by a marching band, arts and crafts workshops, and delicious range of Italian meals and snacks.

The best way to have a complete experience at The Venetian Carnevale 2014 is by staying overnight at The Venetian Macao. The limited time Fabulous Spring Package starts from HK$1,998 and includes accommodation for two in a luxurious Royale suite; a choice of either daily breakfast or lunch for two; a choice of either two Cotai Water Jet Cotai Class one-way tickets from Macao to Hong Kong or a gondola ride for two at Shoppes at Venetian; free in-suite Wi-Fi; and MOP 100 Shopping and Dining Dollars spendable at over 250 participating outlets. Guests can book the Fabulous Spring Package from now until May 31, 2014, online at www.venetianmacao.com or via local travel agents; for more information about the limited-time package, call +853 2882 8855 (Macao/international), 001 80000 80 0 888 (Hong Kong toll free), 4001 20 8825 (mainland China toll free) or 000 800 100 8019 (India toll free)

Photo caption: Officiating guests help launch The Venetian Carnevale 2014 at The Venetian Macao lagoon Friday with the release of a life-size jack-in-the-box. The free-admission event features the Venetian Light storm, the Tunnel of Lights, non-stop street entertainment, a magical carousel experience in the lagoon, speed spray painting, live marching band performances, arts and crafts workshops, and a delicious range of Italian meals and snacks.

Left to right: Olaf Gueldner, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sands China Ltd.; Paola Guida, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office

Photo caption: Officiating guests help launch The Venetian Carnevale 2014 at The Venetian Macao lagoon Friday. The free-admission event features the Venetian Light storm, the Tunnel of Lights, non-stop street entertainment, a magical carousel experience in the lagoon, speed spray painting, live marching band performances, arts and crafts workshops, and a delicious range of Italian meals and snacks.

Left to right: Paola Guida, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission; Olaf Gueldner, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sands China Ltd.; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office