Venice is the city that most lives up to the parody of itself. Even Vegas, a place known for it’s stereotypical exaggerations of famous places and motifs, can’t create a caricature more stereotypical and exaggerated than the actual Venice.

Never is this more pronounced that during Carnival. Even on a lowly Tuesday the streets are filled with people in costumes that must cost hundreds of euros. These charitable folks creep around corners and pose for photos, never speaking or falling out of character. Are they paid by the city for this effort? Are they carnival ambassadors? I hope so, because whenever a particularly lavish one turns up the crowds fall upon them like vultures on carrion.

So here are a few photos of these selfless mutes, because, yes, I was one of the jackasses following them around with a camera.