March 25th: the day Venice was born

The history of Venice is very ancient and the first settlements date back to the 5th century, a period in which the populations of the mainland fled to the lagoon from the raids of the barbarians (who, moving on horseback, could not reach the islands). Venice was made up of different settlements, and the most important ones were on the islands, including the ancient Metamauco, on the Lido, the ancestor of Malamocco.
Conventionally, however, the birth of Venice dates to March 25th, 421 AD.

 

The date symbolizes the laying of the first stone of the city. On that the day, according to the chronicles of the time, two Paduan consulares sanctioned the birth of Venice.
From there began the construction of the church of San Giacomo, in Rivus Altus (the current Rialto).

 

The day was full of symbolic meanings both because it coincided with the Annunciation and because, at the time, the year began in March, with the arrival of spring, and therefore March 25th became the Venetian New Year.

 

The Venetians preserved the tradition: during the Republic of the Serenissima, they used to celebrate ca’ de ano (New Year’s Eve) always in March but on the first day of the month.

 

So happy birthday Venice!