Feast of Saint Mark - Patron of Venice

The Patron Saint of the Serenissima

Saint Mark the Evangelist has been the patron saint of Venice since 828, when, according to tradition, his relics were stolen from Alexandria in Egypt and brought to the lagoon, where they rest in the Basilica of Saint Mark. The winged lion, the symbol of the evangelist, has been the emblem of the city and the ancient Republic ever since. Every April 25th, the city celebrates its saint with a solemn mass presided over by the Patriarch of Venice, accompanied by solemn evening vespers.

The Tradition of the Bòcolo

April 25th is also the feast of Venetian lovers: tradition dictates that men give their beloved a bòcolo, a red rosebud. Legend links this gesture to a medieval story of love and war. For over 130 years, the Venetian committee of the Italian Red Cross has been distributing rosebuds in the city squares in exchange for a free donation to support the association's social activities.

Historical Procession and Festival Flavors

The day is enriched by the historical procession with figures in period costume, parading from the columns of Mark and Todaro in St. Mark's Square, and by numerous cultural events. At the table, the symbolic dish is risi e bisi, rice with spring peas, which according to tradition was offered to the Doge on Saint Mark's Day. The festival coincides with April 25th, Liberation Day, giving the date a dual civil and religious significance.