April 25th in Venice carries a dual significance: it is both Italy’s Liberation Day and the uniquely Venetian Feast of Saint Mark, patron of the Serenissima Republic for over a millennium. With ringing bells, processions, red roses, and official ceremonies, it stands as one of the city’s most cherished days and a celebration deeply woven into Venice’s identity.

Historical Origins

The origins of the feast date back to 828 AD, when two Venetian merchants, Rustico da Torcello and Buono da Malamocco, smuggled the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist out of Alexandria, Egypt, hiding them beneath a cargo of pork meat to avoid customs inspections.

When the relics arrived in Venice, they were received with great enthusiasm by the population, and Saint Mark soon became the city’s official patron, replacing Saint Theodore. During the time of the Serenissima Republic, April 25th – the date traditionally associated with Saint Mark’s death – was the most important of three annual celebrations dedicated to the Saint. The other two fell on January 31st commemorating the arrival of his relics, and June 25th, marking the discovery of his remains in the Basilica.

The Tradition of the Bòcolo

The most romantic and peculiar tradition of the feast is that of the bòcolo: in Venetian dialect, the red rosebud given to one’s beloved.

The custom is tied to a medieval legend whose protagonists are Tancredi, a young man of humble origins, and his love Maria, daughter of Doge Orso I Partecipazio. Tancredi left for war hoping to earn her family’s approval, but he died in battle in the midst of a rose garden. A companion returned home carrying a rosebud soaked in his blood and gave it to Maria. Overcome with grief, she died the following day, clutching the rose to her chest. From that day on, the red rosebud became the symbol of unconditional love celebrated each year on April 25th.

It is worth noting that the original tradition was broader, as the bòcolo used to be offered not only to one’s morosa (sweetheart, in Venetian dialect), but to all women – mothers, sisters, friends – as a gesture of collective devotion and affection.

To learn more about this tradition, have a look at the article dedicated to The roses of Venice: between modernity and tradition.

Where to buy the bòcolo

You can find it at any florist throughout the city, though prices tend to rise the closer you get to the square. We recommend buying it early in the morning in the less touristy neighborhoods.

Religious and Institutional Celebrations

Today, the celebrations begin in the morning with the flag-raising ceremony and military honours in Piazza San Marco, followed by a solemn High Mass at 10:30 AM in the Basilica of Saint Mark, presided over by the Patriarch of Venice. Entry is free, though arriving early is strongly advised.

In the afternoon, one of the most anticipated ceremonies takes place: the presentation of the Premio Festa di San Marco in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio of the Palazzo Ducale. This award ceremony honors individuals and institutions that have brought prestige to the city in fields such as the arts, sciences, sport and social welfare. The ceremony is enriched by a musical performance by the orchestra of Teatro La Fenice.

Venice Comes Alive: What to Do and See

Beyond the official ceremonies, the entire city comes to life: the calli fill with couples carrying red rosebuds, and the squares host artisan markets, brass bands and traditional choirs.

For those who appreciate Venetian food and wine culture, April 25th is also the perfect occasion to wander through the bacari of the historic centre: a small glass of white wine and a cicchetto is the most authentic way to raise a toast to the patron saint of the Serenissima.