Venice and High Water During the Marathon

Yesterday marked the 39th edition of the Venice Marathon, one of the city’s most beloved and widely followed sporting events. As often happens in late October, the weather played a starring role. Forecasts predicted a tide peak of around 100 centimeters around noon, just as the marathon runners were crossing the finish line. Naturally, many wondered: “Will they be able to run dry, or will they face the high water?”

In the end, the Mose system — the mobile barrier network designed to protect the lagoon from exceptional tides — was not activated. The Municipality of Venice decided not to raise the barriers, since the expected tide level was below the threshold considered critical for activation.

As a result, some areas of the city, including Piazza San Marco, were partially flooded. The square was covered by a few centimeters of water, creating some inconvenience for tourists and residents, while much of the marathon route remained practicable.

The decision not to activate the Mose sparked discussion among city authorities. Some criticized the choice, arguing that the operation could have ensured completely dry conditions for the event, while others supported it, emphasizing the need to reserve activations for genuinely exceptional high tides given the system’s high operational costs — around 300,000 euros each time.

Despite the flooding in certain spots, the marathon concluded successfully, and the athletes managed to finish the race amid the unique and evocative scenery of Venice under high water.

The episode once again highlights the delicate balance between daily life, sporting events, and tide management in Venice. Nearly four years after its first use, the Mose remains a powerful but complex and costly tool, raising questions about how and when it should be deployed to best protect the city.

The Venice Marathon 2025 will thus be remembered not only for the athletes’ performance but also as a reminder of Venice’s ongoing challenge: living with the tides in a city that is both fragile and extraordinary.

The Venice Marathon

Today marks the start of the 39th edition of the Venice Marathon, a long-established event that brings together more than 20,000 athletes from all over the world. Around 40% of the participants come from abroad, confirming the international appeal of this race that combines sport, culture, and scenic beauty.

The Venice Marathon offers two participation options: the competitive race, reserved for professional athletes and experienced runners, and the recreational version, open to anyone who wishes to enjoy a sporting experience at a more relaxed pace, immersed in the unique atmosphere of the lagoon city.

Both formats allow participants to experience Venice in an authentic and sustainable way, running or walking through narrow alleys, bridges, and breathtaking views. The course passes through iconic landmarks such as the Riviera del Brenta, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Grand Canal, offering a rare opportunity to discover the city from a new perspective — one of effort, joy, and shared passion.

Created with the aim of showcasing Venice and symbolically overcoming its architectural barriers, the Venice Marathon has become much more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of slow movement, respect for the city, and inclusiveness — a demonstration that, with good organization and care, even a fragile city like Venice can host major events while preserving its delicate balance.

Year after year, the marathon has evolved into a true festival of sport and community, engaging residents, tourists, and enthusiasts along the entire route. Beyond the main race, many side events enliven the weekend: family-friendly activities, charity initiatives, and meetings focused on wellness and sustainability.

The Venice Marathon is not just a race, but an emotional journey through the history, culture, and magic of Venice — a city that never ceases to amaze, even when experienced at running pace.

A high tide is also expected during the day, with an estimated

level of around +90 cm above the tide gauge zero in Piazza San Marco — according to the official forecast of the Centro Previsioni e Segnalazioni Maree of the Municipality of Venice. For safety reasons, the pedestrian boardwalks have been temporarily removed; it remains to be confirmed whether the pumps and other drainage systems will be fully operational.

’Good Morning Siora Mascara’’ Carnival 2024 in Venice

Carnival starts on January 27th and ends on February13th.Most of the masks, you will meet on the streets and squares in Venice, are very different from the old-fashioned ones thatcharacterized the past.  However, a distinctive feature of theVenetian mask is still present, the ability to conceal the owner’s identity. For this reason, the wearer was greeted in the followingmanner: ‘Good morning Siora Mascara’, that is ‘Good morning Mrs Mask’.

Different masks you can find in shops

People dressed up and pretended to be someone else duringCarnival. People had fun, broke rules and reversed their roles in society. Because of this, in 1268 the Republic of Venice decided to limit and control the inappropriate and excessive uses ofmasks. Many other laws meant to protect public order were passed, and were modeled on that law. For instance, both men andprostitutes were not allowed to wear masks when enteringbrothels.

The’ Bauta, Gnaga, Moretta, and Volto’ masks are the most significant and traditional ones. They are different from masks representing theatrical figures like’ Pantalone, Colombina, and Arlecchino’, that emerged later with the ‘Commedia dell'Arte’.

The ‘Bauta’ was the only costume that could be worn at all timesin Venice. The term itself implied identity protection and it was formed by four pieces: a tricorn hat, a white mask, a veil and a mantle. The white mask known as ‘larva’ completely hid the wearer’s face and preserved his identity, while he was speaking,eating and drinking. The tricorn hat or black hat was worn on thehead, which was covered by a black veil called ‘zendale’, and a black cloak, a ‘tabarro’, served as an accessory especially when it was cold. Regarded as the queen of Venetian masks, the ‘Bauta’was an extremely elaborate costume, made with different materials depending on whom bought the outfit.

The bauta costume

Women used to wear the ‘Moretta’, an oval black mask, usuallymade of velvet. At first, women who visited nuns would wear it,but later in time it was also worn during Carnival. It was a silentor mute mask because ladies had to keep a button in their mouthto hold it. During balls they danced without speaking. Women were supposed to play a traditional Venetian game of seduction,during which they revealed their true identity to their admirer, when they decided it was the right time.

The Moretta

If you wore a mask you couldn't be arrested for acting. Mendressed like women and wore masks depicting cats. This type of mask was known as’ Gnaga’. Men, who put on this mask posedas an ordinary woman, meowed during a conversation andmocked passers-by, and   usually carried a basket with a kitten.

The Gnaga

On the other hand, the ‘Volto’, a traditional Venetian’ papiermaché’ mask, was shaped like a face and covered the wearer ‘sentire face. Even today itis still the most popular mask to wearwith an outfit.

The Volto

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