Porto Santa Margherita
Discovering the history of Porto Santa Margherita
Porto Santa Margherita, located in the metropolitan city of Venice, is a town in Caorle that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. This area is famous for the beauty of its port, but also for its long history. Since the 5th century, artifacts have been found that testify to the existence of an important port on the sea facing the island of Caorle and the right bank of the Livenza River.
The Port of the Maidens
An episode dating back to the golden age of the city of Caorle is told about the port of Santa Margherita. In the 9th century, this port was known as the "Port of the Maidens". During this period, it was customary to marry many young couples simultaneously at the Cathedral of San Pietro di Castello, on the eve of the Feast of the Purification of Mary. On February 2, the day on which this feast is celebrated, the union of many young couples was celebrated.
One day, pirates interrupted the feast and kidnapped the young brides with their dowries, setting sail to return to the territories of Trieste, which at that time were under the influence of the powerful Patriarchate of Aquileia. Pursued by the Venetian fleet, led by the Doge of Venice himself, they were intercepted at the port of Santa Margherita. The pirates were killed, and the young women and their dowries were recovered by the Venetian fleet. This event was dubbed the "Rape of the Maidens".
The Festival of the Marias
As a result of the Rape of the Maidens, the Feast of the Marias was established in Venice. During this feast, on the eve of the Feast of the Purification of Mary, a solemn procession was held with the young brides in memory of the events narrated. However, this feast was cancelled over time due to the cost and fear for the safety of young women.
Subsequently, the brides were replaced by "Marione", wooden puppets. In this way, the inhabitants of the area could preserve the idea of the feast without having to dress up the women, who had become a target for pirates. Finally, smaller dolls called Marionette were also sold. Over the centuries, the feast was gradually forgotten but has been resumed in recent years during the Carnival of Venice. Until 2014, a historical re-enactment was also staged in Caorle and the hamlet of Porto Santa Margherita.
Porto Santa Margherita is now a highly renowned town for the beauty of its landscapes and the liveliness of its port. The history of its name, however, is still linked to the story of the maidens abducted by pirates, which gave rise to the Festival of the Marias.
