The Feast of the Maries commemorates a historical event that actually took place. It was the year 973 when, in the Church of San Pietro di Castello, during the annual celebrations dedicated to the Purification of the Virgin Mary, twelve young Venetian women were kidnapped by a group of Dalmatian pirates. After a pursuit organized by Doge Pietro Candiano III, the girls were freed and brought back to Venice. From that moment on, the Feast of the Maries was celebrated every year in the lagoon city, with rituals and forms that evolved over the centuries.
The Maria of the Year will be elected on 16 February in the Apollonian Halls of the Teatro La Fenice.
Starting from Saturday 7 February, the selected girls will take part in several events of the official Carnival program. Among the main highlights is the traditional water parade aboard gondolas, which will wind its way along the Grand Canal. The final selection will take place on Monday 16 February in the Apollonian Halls of the Teatro La Fenice, with the election of the Maria of the Venice Carnival 2026. The official proclamation will be held on Tuesday 17 February in St. Mark’s Square.
