A flowing black cape, similar to one which the lagoon city's greatest lover Casanova would have worn, will be the top prize at the 6th edition of the Venice Erotic Poetry contest.
The prize will be handed out on February 17, at the height of the Carnival, after a poetry reading in which all participants will wear masks.
Awards will also be given out that night for the best masks.
The poetry contest is being organised by publisher Albert Gardin who in presenting the event here on Wednesday said it was "open to all nationalities and poems can be any language".
"Erotic poetry in Venice has a long and noble history. It is a joyful and ironic expression of Venetian culture," he added.
Over 70 poets have entered the contest so far.
Others wishing to participate must send their verses by email by February 13 together with a brief CV of the poet.
The Erotic Poetry Festival will be staged in the Camp San Giacomo dell'Orio square, in the picturesque Santa Croce district.
