Festival of the Twelve Marys
The historical procession of the Venice Carnival that evokes the ancient tradition of the twelve maidens
About Festival of the Twelve Marys
An Ancient Venetian Legend
The Festival of the Twelve Marys recalls a tradition that Venetian history traces back to the Middle Ages: every year, the Serenissima endowed twelve poor but virtuous maidens, the "Marys," offering them a dowry for their weddings. According to legend, during one of these celebrations, Istrian pirates kidnapped the brides, who were promptly freed by the Venetians. This gave rise to a popular festival that was repeated for centuries before disappearing and being reintroduced in 1999 as part of the Venice Carnival.
Twelve Maidens as Protagonists
Today, twelve young Venetian women are selected to represent the city throughout the Carnival period. Dressed in sumptuous historical costumes crafted by Venetian tailors, the Twelve Marys parade in a water procession of gondolas along the Grand Canal and then on foot in St. Mark's Square. The event culminates in the election of the Mary of the Year, who becomes the protagonist of the following Carnival.
Between History, Costume, and Carnival
The Festival of the Twelve Marys combines historical re-enactment, promotion of textile craftsmanship, and spectacle. It takes place in the heart of Venice, between the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista, where the selection occurs, the Grand Canal, and St. Mark's Square. It is one of the moments when the Carnival recovers its popular and civic dimension, beyond the more spectacular masks and costumes.
Festival of the Twelve Marys — edition 2026
The Festival of the Twelve Marys 2026 animated the Venice Carnival from late January to mid-February. The selection of the twelve protagonists took place on January 31 at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista; on February 7, the traditional water procession paraded along the Grand Canal. The Marys then paraded in Mestre and St. Mark's Square, culminating in the proclamation of the Mary of the Year on February 17.
Programme Festival of the Twelve Marys 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Selection of the Twelve Marys at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Afternoon — traditional water procession with the official presentation of the twelve Marys in gondolas along the Grand Canal, from Santa Sofia to St. Mark's Square
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Participation in the Chirignago float parade with the Masegni & Nizioleti association
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- "The Twelfth Mary" photo contest at San Giovanni Evangelista
Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Parade of the Marys in Piazza Ferretto, Mestre
Monday, February 16, 2026
- Election of the Mary of the Year 2026 at the Sale Apollinee of the Teatro La Fenice
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Proclamation of the Mary of the Venice Carnival 2026 in St. Mark's Square
Highlights Festival of the Twelve Marys 2026
Prices Festival of the Twelve Marys 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Twelve Marys
How to get there
By train to Venice Santa Lucia station, then take an ACTV vaporetto towards Rialto and San Marco. The water procession can be viewed from the banks of the Grand Canal; the main parades take place in St. Mark's Square.
Tips
Venice is very crowded during Carnival. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the Grand Canal or in St. Mark's Square. The complete program is published on the official Carnival website.
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Twelve Marys
Piazza San Marco e Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista
Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venezia