Blog > Saint Mark’s Day
In memory of the patron Saint Marco Evangelista, in conjunction with the liberation of Italy from the Nazi-fascist regime.
April 25 is the anniversary of the death of San Marco (68 AD) and in ancient times on the occasion of this anniversary the Doge together with the major authorities of the state paraded in procession through the streets of the city. We have testimonies that in the past there were 3 days dedicated to the Saint.
The first day was January 31, when the remains of Saint Mark were stolen in Egypt by two Venetian merchants, Buono da Malamocco and Rustico da Torcello (it was 828).
The second day was June 25, the anniversary of the discovery of the relics of the Saint after a disastrous fire.
The third day was April 25 to remember the death of Saint Mark.Today on St Mark’s Day there is a celebration presided over by the Patriarch and the Festa di San Marco award is given to all the Venetians who have distinguished themselves during the year.
But who was San Marco?
Mark was a disciple of Saint Peter (one of the first to be baptized by Peter), a witness to the life of Jesus Christ. He was sent to Egypt to spread the word of God. He died a martyr in 68 A.D. tied to a rope and dragged by a horse. The first church in honor of San Marco was built in 828 and replaced in 832. Due to a serious fire the church was destroyed and the relics of the Saint lost, The current version of the Basilica was built in 1094 and a legend tells that during the consecration (June 25) it broke the marble of an ancient column and came out a box containing the relics of the Saint.
Why is the coat of arms of San Marco a winged lion?
Also in this case a legend tells us that while Saint Mark was sailing towards Alexandria of Egypt he came across a strong storm. He sought shelter near Rialto in a fishermen’s hut. While resting, in a dream appeared to him an angel represented by a winged lion who told him PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEU, HIC REQUISCET CORPUS TUUM (peace to you mark my evangelist. Here will rest your body. Upon awakening Mark told the dream to the fishermen and then continued to Alexandria in Egypt.
The LION is a symbol of St. Mark and the power of Venice. The wings represent spiritual elevation. The book combines culture and peace. The sword, on the other hand, when present, indicates strength and justice. The Serenissima loved to describe itself as: Strong and just, powerful, spiritual and wise.