On 25th April each year, Venice not only celebrates Italy’s liberation from the Nazis (a public holiday in Italy), but also the far more ancient “Festa di San Marco”, the patron saint’s day. Religious celebrations are held in St. Mark’s Basilica and various cultural events are organized by the city of Venice.

In ancient times, however, there used to be a grand procession in St. Mark’s Square, the centre of religious and public life in Venice, with the civil and religious authorities and many representatives of the various fraternities and corporations taking part.

Over the years other popular legends became associated with these celebrations on 25th April, some of which led to the tradition of young men giving their beloved a rosebud, as would children to their mothers. Venetians therefore also call this event the “Festa del Bocolo”.

400 - 1000 - - rev. 0.1.6