April 25 in Venice: Saint Mark’s Day and Liberation Day Celebrations

April 25th is a very important holiday in Italy, but it holds special significance in Venice. While the whole country celebrates Liberation Day, marking the end of Nazi occupation in World War II, Venice also honors Saint Mark the Evangelist, the city’s patron saint, with its own unique festival.

The Legend of Saint Mark and Venice

What is the origin of this celebration? According to legend, while traveling to Alexandria, Saint Mark was shipwrecked near Venice and took refuge in a fisherman’s hut. That night, he dreamt of an angel in the form of a winged lion who told him that he would one day find eternal rest there. Today, his relics are enshrined in the Basilica di San Marco, and the winged lion remains the enduring symbol of Venice.

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A Tradition Rooted in History

Originally, the celebration was held on three different dates: January 31st, June 25th, and April 25th. The latter is the only one still observed today, established by the Republic of Venice to honor the saint on the anniversary of his death.

Festa del Bòcolo

But this is not the only legend commemorated on April 25th. Venetians also give one another rosebuds in remembrance of the tragic love story of Tancredi and Maria. Tancredi, a young man of humble origins, fought in the Holy Land to prove himself worthy of his beloved Maria, the daughter of the Doge. Before dying in battle, he plucked a white rose that became stained with his blood. The rose was brought back to Maria, who died of grief holding it. This rosebud became a symbol of eternal love and remembrance. Today, the tradition is known as the Festa del Bòcolo, and giving a red rosebud on this day is a heartfelt Venetian gesture that keeps the legend alive.

A Day of Meaning and Memory

Both legends are now celebrated on the same day, making April 25th a holiday filled with spiritual, symbolic, and civic pride. Its overlap with Italy’s Liberation Day adds another layer of meaning, making it a celebration of freedom, identity, and love.

What to See in Venice on April 25th

If you’re visiting Venice on this special day, there are many events worth witnessing—and perhaps even joining in. The Basilica di San Marco hosts a Solemn Mass at 10:30 AM, followed by Vespers in the late afternoon.

At 12:00 PM in Piazza San Marco, a performance titled “Una Rosa per Venezia – A Rose for Venice” will feature a human rosebud formation, created by approximately 1,000 participants. This moving event pays tribute to the love story of Tancredi and Maria.

The San Marco Award and Local Traditions

The city also presents the Premio Festa di San Marco, the San Marco Award, during a ceremony in the Doge’s Palace. This prestigious honor is given to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Venice in fields such as art, science, and social engagement.

You’ll also find smaller churches and chapels hosting open houses and special vespers, and if you’re lucky, you might even see locals dressed in traditional Venetian garb, participating in symbolic parades and reenactments.

A Day to Remember

If you find yourself in Venice on April 25th, you’ll experience a day rich in history, heart, and heritage—a celebration that’s as meaningful to Venetians as it is beautiful for visitors to behold.