Encyclopedia • Feasts, traditional and annual events

The word Carnival comes from the Latin — carnem levare, that is, to "remove the meat" — originally referring to the first day of Lent.

The Feast of the Redentore is the fest most felt by the Venetians.

The Madonna della Salute has an origin of mourning and suffering, and still remains a devotional feast for Venetians today.

On the day of Sensa (Ascension) the historic "Marriage of the sea" is celebrated, in memory of the conquest of Dalmatia by Venetian ships headed by the doge Pietro Orseolo II in 999.

In Italy, every April 25, the day of liberation from the Nazi-fascist army in 1945 is commemorated, for Venetians this date has a twofold and even deeper bond: it represents the date of martyrdom and death of the patron, San Marco Evangelist, whos

Officially established by the Venice Biennale Foundation, it made its appearance five years before its official institution: in fact, in 1975 the first exhibition on architectural matter was created, entitled "About the Stucky Mill" at the Magazzi

The origins and the first Biennials

First director was Carolyn Carlson, a famous American dancer and choreographer who worked so much in France and Italy as creator of important shows related to the dance of the past century.

After 37 years from the launch of the International Art Exhibition, in 1932 the Biennale presented the first film festival ever to be held in the world: the International Film Festival.

The calendar used in the Republic of the Serenissima, until 1797, corresponded to the oldest Roman calendar where March was the first month of the year - replaced only later by January - and with it its first day marked the New Year.

In a city like Venice, which lives on the water and where the boat is the most normal way to use, it is natural that water races take place there.

The Venice Marathon is today an international marathon race recognized worldwide by the IAAF - International Association of Athletics Federations - certified Silver Label, on the Olympic distance of 42,195 km which allows the participation of spor