Hey traveler! If you're planning a visit to Venice in 2025, you can't possibly miss one of the most fascinating and history-rich events of Carnival: the Feast of the Marys Venice Italy (Festa delle Marie).
The celebration, which traces its roots back to the 10th century, is an irresistible mix of tradition, legend and spectacle.
Let's discover together in this post by Venice Insider Guide the program of the Festa delle Marie in Venice 2025.
Festa delle Marie Venice Italy
The Feast of the Marys in Venice Italy was suspended in 1380 and remained forgotten for a long time, until director Bruno Tosi, with the support of the newspaper “Il Gazzettino,” decided to bring it back to life in 1999.
Today, the Feast of Marys is one of the most anticipated events of the Venetian Carnival and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Santa Maria Formosa
The church of Santa Maria Formosa is one of the landmarks of the Festa delle Marie Venice Italy. Located in the heart of the city, this church represents a pivotal point in the procession of the twelve Venetian young women. Here, for centuries, the girls chosen for the celebration would receive a blessing before crossing the city in procession.
Legend has it that in the very vicinity of this church the rich families would stop to admire the maidens and give them precious jewelry. Even today, its historic charm still evokes the atmosphere of the ancient Venice Carnival celebrations.
Piazza San Marco
St. Mark's Square is the beating heart of Venice, and one of the highlights of the Festa delle Marie in Venice takes place right here. The procession, which starts from the church of San Pietro di Castello, crosses the city to arrive in the famous square, where the crowd enthusiastically welcomes the twelve young Venetians.
During the Venice Carnival celebrations, this square becomes a living stage of lavish costumes, elaborate masks and timeless celebrations. Here, in front of the Doge's Palace, the Doge himself welcomed the Marys in the past, paying homage to their beauty and purity, a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
San Pietro di Castello
The church of San Pietro di Castello is the starting point of the Festa delle Marie in Venice. This place, steeped in history and spirituality, was for centuries the seat of the Patriarch of Venice before the construction of St. Mark's Basilica. During the event, the twelve young brides are presented to the citizens and from here their procession along the Venetian calli to Riva degli Schiavoni begins.
According to tradition, in the 9th century it was in this very church that the mass was held to bless the young women before their collective marriage. At one time, wooden statues representing the twelve girls could be seen along the Grand Canal, a symbol that today has been replaced by the beautiful flesh-and-blood maidens parading through the city.
Origins of the Festa delle Marie Venice Italy
What do we know about the Festa delle Marie Venice Italy?
Legend has it that in 973, during celebrations for the Purification of the Virgin Mary in the church of San Pietro di Castello, twelve young Venetian girls were kidnapped by Dalmatian pirates. Doge Pietro Candiano III, together with the spouses of the maidens, organized a valiant pursuit, succeeding in freeing them and bringing them triumphantly back to Venice.
Since then, the city has commemorated this event with an annual festival, which has undergone transformations over time but has kept its charm intact.
Festa delle Marie Venice 2025 program
For the new edition, Festa delle Marie Venice 2025 will run from February 22 to March 4, offering a series of must-see events:
Saturday, February 22:
The twelve selected Marys will parade aboard gondolas along the Grand Canal, starting from Santa Sofia and arriving in St. Mark's Square, where they will be presented to the public.
Sunday, Feb. 23:
Morning: Traditional appointment with the Masegni and Nizioletti Association.
Afternoon: The Marys will travel to Don Orione in Chirignago for meetings and celebrations.
Tuesday, Feb. 25:
The Maries will become chefs for a day at the Andrea Barbarigo Institute, trying their hand at preparing typical Venetian dishes.
Wednesday, Feb. 26:
Cultural visit to the Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venice's power and history.
Thursday, Feb. 27:
Unprecedented event at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista. A special opportunity to discover new facets of the Venetian tradition.
Friday, Feb. 28:
Morning: Visit to the Naval Petty Officers' Circle.
Afternoon: At 2:30 p.m., the traditional cancellation of the stamp dedicated to the Maries will be held at the Italian Post Office.
Evening: Spectacular Arsenal Water Show, a breathtaking visual experience on the water.
Saturday, March 1:
Evening of theater with “The Barber of Seville” at La Fenice Theater, followed by an exclusive Carnival Party in the Sale Apollinee.
Sunday, March 2:
Morning: Greeting at Piazza Ferretto in Mestre.
Afternoon: Le Marie will be guests at Palasport Taliercio to attend the Umana Reyer women's game.
Monday, March 3:
Election of the Mary of the Year 2025. An exciting moment in which the most representative of the twelve maidens will be chosen.
Tuesday, March 4:
Procession of the Marie dei Nicoloti and official presentation of the Mary of Venice Carnival 2025. A grand closing for this extraordinary celebration.
What to know to participate in the Feast of Maries Venice 2025
To participate in the Feast of Marys Venice 2025 you need to know a few things and consider important aspects, such as:
- Timing: events start on time. We recommend arriving early to ensure a good location, especially during the water parade and presentations in St. Mark's Square.
- Clothing: February and March can be cold months in Venice. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket. If you wish to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere, consider wearing a historical costume or traditional mask.
- Transportation: the city will be crowded during Carnival. Use public transportation, such as vaporettos, and be prepared to walk. Remember that many streets will be closed to traffic to facilitate parades.
- Accommodations: book well in advance. Hotels and accommodations tend to fill up quickly during this festive period.
- Safety: be careful with your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Follow the directions of local authorities and comply with applicable regulations.
What to taste during the Marie Festival Venice Italy 2025
During the Festa delle Marie Venice Italy 2025, we recommend that you try:
- Frittelle: Typical Venetian Carnival sweets, available in different variations, such as those filled with cream or zabaglione.
- Galani: Fried sheets dusted with powdered sugar, light and crispy, perfect for a snack between events.
- Sarde in Saor: A traditional dish of marinated sardines with onions, pine nuts and raisins. An explosion of flavors that tells the story of Venetian cuisine.
- Bigoli in Salsa: Fresh pasta seasoned with onions and anchovies, a classic dish of Venetian tradition.
- Baicoli: Venetian dry cookies, perfect for dipping in a glass of sweet wine or coffee.
Festa delle Marie Venice 2025: Final tips
The Festa delle Marie Venice Italy 2025 is what all Venetians, as well as tourists who happen to visit the floating city on Carnival days, are looking forward to.
That's why we have grouped together other suggestions:
- Attend side events: in addition to the Festa delle Marie in Venice, the Venice Carnival offers street performances, masquerade balls and art exhibitions.
- Discover authentic Venice: get away from the more touristy areas and visit hidden corners of the city, such as the Jewish Ghetto or the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
- Respect the environment: Venice is a fragile city. Avoid littering on the ground and respect local regulations to protect the lagoon.
What are you waiting for? Book your trip and be enchanted by the magic of the Festa delle Marie in Venice 2025!