Colors of Mestre - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Mestre participates actively in virtually all events taking place in the Veneto region. Besides the famous Venice Carnival, its guests can attend the interesting religious festival La Sensa dedicated to the Ascension Day. This holiday is usually celebrated in the first half of May. Being religious in nature, it also has an important historical component. The celebration is dedicated to the peace treaty between the Emperor and the Papacy, which was concluded in the 12th century and put an end to centuries of hostility.

A beautiful holiday in honor of this significant event was regularly held during the Middle Ages but was forgotten over time. The tradition of its holding was revived in 1965. Since then, the celebration has been an annual event. On the festive day, guests of Mestre can enjoy a rich entertainment program, watch beautiful costumed processions, performances of street artists, and pyrotechnic shows.

Throughout the year, many interesting sports events attract the attention of tourists in Mestre. A historic regatta in which rowing vessels of various types participate is held here every year. Among them, there are original ancient boats. On the regatta day, all vessels are artistically decorated. The spectacular event is more like a colorful parade of historic and modern boats. The starting point is a promenade near Piazza San Marco, and the finish is at Santa Lucia Station. The first competitions were organized by local residents in the 13th century. The beautiful tradition has been preserved for over 700 years. The regatta is usually held in early September. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In winter, it would be a good idea to visit Mestre on the eve of Christmas and New Year. Preparations for the winter holidays began a few weeks before they come. In mid-December, a series of festive entertainments and sales begins, which attract shopping enthusiasts from all over the world. Festively illuminated Mestre squares turn into open-air concert venues where free concerts and other shows are held regularly. On New Year's Eve, the townspeople organize costumed processions, which are in no way inferior to the popular carnival.

During the Christmas holidays in Mestre, you can buy wonderful carnival costumes and masks. According to the old tradition, locals give preference to red outfits and accessories. They believe that this color can attract good luck and love. Among the unusual New Year traditions that local residents continue to observe is throwing out old unnecessary things on New Year's Eve. They are thrown right out of the windows, so it is not recommended to walk close to the windows of residential buildings at this time. No one throws bulky waste, but old unnecessary trash can land on the nearest sidewalk quite unexpectedly.

One of the most long-awaited events on New Year's Eve is the traditional fireworks. The organization of pyrotechnic shows is approached with special attention and scale. Every show is unique, the best specialists are involved in their preparations. The tradition of such shows originated many years ago. Local residents believe that bright lights and firecrackers' noise can scare away evil spirits. Interestingly, Mestre residents do not exchange Christmas gifts with each other. Only small souvenirs and traditional sweets can be presented to friends and relatives here.

It is best to choose them at local fairs, which open in the squares in December. The most popular local souvenirs are carnival masks, as well as original toys and home decorations made of Murano glass. A symbolic souvenir is small figures of Befana (an old woman who delivers gifts to children like Santa Claus) - one of the main symbols of the New Year. Roasted chestnuts sold at local fairs are considered traditional Christmas treats, and mulled wine remains the most popular winter drink among the townspeople.

Here it is not customary to celebrate the New Year at home. Usually, people gather on the main streets and squares to join holiday programs and enjoy pyrotechnic shows. A festive dinner is arranged quite early, no later than 9:00 pm. According to another curious historical tradition, the lady of the house should put 13 different dishes on the New Year's table. Such a ritual is believed to bring good luck in the new year.