Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PIRATE BRIDES
Today the only pirates you're likely to spot in Venice are the ones selling knock-off Prada handbags on the Ponte
dell'Accademia, but for centuries pirate ships prowled the waters around the Lido. In AD 944, a bevy of wealthy
Venetian brides sparkling with golden dowries were sailing off into the sunset to weddings on the Lido when their
boat was intercepted by pirates. The women were whisked off to a nearby harbour at Caorle, but Venetians in hot
pursuit discovered the lair, slaughtered the pirates and delivered the rattled brides to their weddings. The event
was long commemorated with the annual Festa delle Marie (Feast of the Marys), in which Venice's 12 wealthiest
families presented money for dowries to 12 poor but beautiful young women. Today the 'Marys' are remembered
during Carnevale with a procession and beauty pageant crowning the most beautiful of the 12 honorary Marys.
