feste delle marie

Festa delle Marie – Venice, 2014


In 2014, just days before the official start of the Venice Carnival, I had the chance to witness the Festa delle Marie — one of the city’s most fascinating and historic traditions.


This colorful event celebrates an ancient legend dating back to the 10th century, when twelve young brides were said to have been kidnapped by pirates and later rescued by the Venetians. Today, the celebration is brought to life with a joyful procession: twelve young women, dressed in stunning Renaissance-inspired costumes, parade through the city accompanied by musicians, flag-throwers, and costumed participants.


The atmosphere was festive and full of anticipation, as Venice prepared to launch into the grandeur of Carnival. Watching the Marie cross the city’s squares and canals felt like stepping back in time — a perfect prelude to the magic that was about to unfold.

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Medieval reenactors in chainmail armor and helmets gather around a black flag at a historic building entrance.
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