Multiple world and Olympic champ Pellegrini attended the star-strewn event with her husband and former coach Matteo Giunta, who was dressed as Casanova.
Other stars included rock and pop star Zucchero who was in a pirate costume.
The 30th edition of the ball took place in the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, one of the iconic venues in the lagoon city and was, as ever, an enchanting night, brimming with its traditional array of acrobats, jugglers, dancers.
Organised by Venetian designer Antonia Sautter, and a whole year in preparation, characterised by lavish dresses and masks, it is a very Italian means of turning back the hands of time.
In recent weeks alone, the sold out event has employed 500 people, attracting VIPs and guests from Italy and all over the world.
This year's carnivals across Italy have generated business worth some three billion euros, tourism groups said on Monday.
ANSA
