Revived by the visionary director Bruno Tosi in 1999 and over time becoming one of the key events of the Venice Carnival, the Festa delle Marie commemorates a historical event that actually occurred. It was the year 973 when, during the annual celebrations dedicated to the purification of the Virgin Mary at the church of San Pietro di Castello, twelve Venetian girls were kidnapped by a group of Dalmatian pirates. After a chase organized by Doge Pietro Candiano III, the maidens were freed and brought back to Venice. From then on, the Festa delle Marie was celebrated every year in the lagoon city, with rituals and customs that changed over the centuries.
Many are also this year’s appointments for the 12 lucky girls that will be selected on February 13rd at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista!
DISCOVER THE PROGRAM +++ The program is being updated +++
Saturday, February 22nd: The Festa delle Marie, water parade
Sunday, February 23rd: Morning – traditional appointment with the Masegni e Nizioletti Association; Afternoon – the 12 Marie will visit Don Orione in Chirignago
Monday, February 24th: To be defined
Tuesday, February 25th: Another traditional event for our 12 Marie at the Andrea Barbarigo Institute, where they will become chefs!
Wednesday, February 26th: Visit to the Doge’s Palace
Thursday, February 27th: An event at San Giovanni Evangelista that promises to be unique!
Friday, February 28th: A packed day for our 12 Marie, with a morning visit to the Circolo Sottufficiali della Marina and at 2:30 PM to POSTE ITALIANE for the traditional cancellation of the stamp dedicated to the Marie. The day will conclude with the Arsenale Water Show.
Saturday, March 1th: An evening of theater with The Barber of Seville at Teatro La Fenice, followed by a Carnival Party in the Apollinee Halls.
Sunday, March 2nd: Traditional gathering in Mestre, with a greeting in Piazza Ferretto, followed in the afternoon by a visit to the Taliercio Sports Hall to attend the women’s basketball game between Umana/Reyer.
Monday, March 3rd: Election of the 2025 Maria of the Year
Tuesday, March 4th: Parade and official presentation of the Maria of the Venice Carnival 2025
The competition is organized in collaboration with
