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Get ready to celebrate The Feast of St Mark in Italy on April 25! This religious holiday honors the life and legacy of Saint Mark, one of the four evangelists who wrote the Gospels in the Bible. It is a day filled with traditional festivities, delicious food, and vibrant processions through the streets of Venice. Legend has it that on this day in 828 AD, the remains of Saint Mark were brought to Venice from Alexandria, Egypt, making him the patron saint of the city. So put on your best carnival mask and join in on the joyful celebrations!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>60</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Mark's Life</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark, lived during this time, spreading the message of Christianity to Egypt and laying the foundations for the Coptic Church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>828</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Relics brought to Venice</div><div class='timeline-text'>Legend tells that the relics of Saint Mark were brought from Alexandria to Venice, making him the patron saint of the city and inspiring the Feast of St Mark.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1290</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Construction of St Mark's Campanile</div><div class='timeline-text'>The construction of St Mark's Campanile, an iconic bell tower in Venice, started during this time, symbolizing the city's enduring connection to Saint Mark.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feast Gains Popularity</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feast of St Mark developed into an unforgettable celebration in Venice, featuring grand parades, colorful masks, and festive banquets in honor of the city's beloved patron saint.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Festa del Bocolo Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Festa del Bocolo tradition, where men present women with a red rosebud to signify love and appreciation, became increasingly popular and is now a standard part of the feast's festivities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make traditional Italian dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and prepare some traditional Italian dishes to celebrate the Feast of St Mark. Some options could include lasagna, risotto, or tiramisu.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Venetian masquerade party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of St Mark, who is the patron saint of Venice, throw a Venetian masquerade party. Encourage guests to come dressed in elaborate costumes and masks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a virtual tour of Venice</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>While travel may not be possible, you can still experience the beauty of Venice by taking a virtual tour. Visit famous landmarks such as St Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a concert featuring Italian music</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for local concerts featuring Italian music to attend on the Feast of St Mark. This is a great way to celebrate the holiday and immerse yourself in Italian culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history and significance of St Mark</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn about the life and accomplishments of St Mark, who is an important figure in Italian history and culture. Share your newfound knowledge with friends and family.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates St. Mark, a significant figure in Christianity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Feast of St. Mark (Italy) is an important holiday for Christians as it celebrates and honors the life of St. Mark, one of the four evangelists and author of the Gospel of Mark. He played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and his death is believed to have happened on April 25th.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Deep roots in Italian tradition and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Since its origins in Venice, Italy, the Feast of St. Mark has become deeply ingrained in Italian tradition and culture. It is celebrated with parades, processions, and feasts throughout Italy, particularly in Venice where St. Mark is the patron saint and his image can be found all over the city.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings communities together in celebration</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Feast of St. Mark is an important holiday not only for religious reasons, but also as a time for communities to come together and celebrate. The parades and festivities are a chance for people to socialize, share food, and enjoy music and entertainment in a festive atmosphere.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Venice's Symbol is Influenced by St. Mark</h3><p class='facts-content'>The symbol of Venice, a winged lion, is in tribute to St. Mark, often described as 'The Lion of Venice', According to the belief, a winged lion appeared in his vision with the Latin phrase, "Peace be with you, Mark, my evangelist". </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St Mark's Gospel is Unique</h3><p class='facts-content'>St. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels, and it was likely the first one written. It’s known for its clarity and simplicity, making it an accessible introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>the Serenissima's Symbolic Aspiration</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sailing the flag marked by the image of St. Mark on their ships, the Venetians wanted their Republic, also known as 'Serenissima', to be considered under the protection of the Saint and wanted Venice to become the new Alexandria, the city where Mark preached.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reputation of Saint Mark in Literary Works</h3><p class='facts-content'>Saint Mark has been portrayed in various literary works, including the famous "Inferno" by Dante Alighieri, where St. Mark is exalted as "kind to his own", referring to his benevolence towards Venice.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Invisible Clock of St Mark's Square</h3><p class='facts-content'>A testament to St. Mark's influence and eternal presence in Venice, there's an invisible clock named "the bòcolo" in St. Mark's Square, and it’s only revealed if the bell tower's shadow is projected onto the pavement on the 25th of April, St. Mark's day.</p></div></div>
The Feast of St Mark is celebrated on April 25 every year. In 2024 The Feast of St Mark will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Apr 25
Tuesday
2024
Apr 25
Thursday
2025
Apr 25
Friday
2026
Apr 25
Saturday
2027
Apr 25
Sunday
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