Venice steps up security for Carnival celebrations
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Venice is boosting security for its upcoming Carnival festival after the crime spree against hundreds of women that hit Germany during New Year's Eve revelry.
The pre-Lenten festival known locally as Carnevale, which begins Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 9, sees tourists in masks and costumes throng Venice's car-free streets. The new security plan includes deploying extra police, including plainclothes officers, and establishing a command post near St. Mark's Square, the heart of the canal-laced city.
In apparent reference to the extremist attacks that bloodied Paris, Venice's prefect's office said Wednesday the "overall international scenario" has "sparked worry."
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Venice authorities also said evacuation procedures were devised for Carnevale revelers in case of emergencies.