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Date: The Feast of St Mark, also known as the "Festa di San Marco," is celebrated annually on April 25th.
History: St Mark is the patron saint of Venice, and his feast day holds significant historical and cultural importance for the city. The traditional celebration dates back centuries and is intertwined with Venice's identity and heritage. According to tradition, St Mark's relics were stolen from Alexandria by Venetian merchants in 828 AD and brought to Venice, where he was proclaimed the city's patron saint.
Traditions: One of the most enduring traditions associated with the Feast of St Mark is the giving of a "bocolo," a single red rosebud, which men offer to the women they love. This romantic gesture is inspired by a legend about a nobleman named Tancredi who fell in love with a lady named Maria. Tancredi died in battle, and according to the legend, a rosebush near his battleground was stained red with his blood; before he died, he managed to send one of its blooms to Maria on April 25th.
In addition to this personal expression of affection, Venetians also attend religious services at St Mark's Basilica to honor their patron saint. The basilica houses the saint's relics, making it an important pilgrimage site on this day.
Activities: The day also involves various public festivities such as parades and concerts. Locals enjoy social gatherings, traditional Venetian food, and sometimes regattas—boat races that are part of Venice’s rich maritime history.
While the Feast of St Mark is primarily celebrated in Venice, it also coincides with Liberation Day in Italy (Festa della Liberazione), marking Italy’s liberation from Nazi occupation during World War II. Hence, throughout Italy, there are additional commemorations and patriotic events taking place on April 25th.
