History, education, and entertainment. Jesolo celebrates the Cao de Ano, the ancient Venetian New Year, with six events between late February and early March. The initiative draws inspiration from the celebrations organized by the Most Serene Republic of Venice as a symbolic moment of civic and collective renewal, featuring public ceremonies, parades, theater, and music.

The initiative combines in-depth sessions on history and culture with spectacular experiences. From the study of Venetian costume, with particular attention to its symbolic and social significance, to the historical reenactment inspired by the solemn entry of the Doge and Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, an emblematic figure of 15th-century Venice. Alongside the reenactment, the project devotes ample space to theater to tell the stories of iconic figures such as Giacomo Casanova.

There is no shortage of narrative paths that can transform urban and historic spaces into places of storytelling. The spectacular dimension is further enriched by historical dances in costume and an evening event with high visual impact, featuring water fountains , music, and light shows. Great attention is also paid to folk traditions, with the revival of the “Bati marso”, an ancient Venetian custom bringing good luck for the new year.

The program

Saturday, February 21

• Escape with Casanova: An Immersive Experience
  Duration: 4 hours from 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM
  Location: Former Barracks Space
  Free Admission 
• Lecture at the Vivaldi Theater at 8:30 p.m.
  Speaker: Giovanni Giusto
  Free admission 
  
  

Thursday, February 26, 6:00 p.m.

• Lecture titled “The Costume of the Serenissima from Its Origins”
  Library – Gelli Hall
  Free Admission 
  
  

Saturday, February 28

• Historical reenactment featuring a regatta on the short stretch of the Sile River (which runs through the city of Jesolo) and a parade in Piazza Primo Maggio featuring the Doge and the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, at 4:45 p.m.
  Dancing fountain show at 6:15 p.m.
  Location: Jesolo Paese – Piazza Primo Maggio 
• Casanova Gran Tour (Pantakin Company) at 9:00 p.m.
  Vivaldi Theater – free admission
  
  

Tuesday, March 3

• Lecture on the history of Venetian flags and banners, presented by Anna Campagnari at 6:00 p.m.
  Public Library – Gelli Hall
  Free Admission