Beatrice Raffaele, a 23-year-old Venetian student from Castello, was named Venice Carnival’s Maria of the Year 2023. She wore a dress designed by Francesco Brigi of Atelier Pietro Longhi during the grand parade along the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square.
The selection process
Beatrice was chosen at a gala in the Apollinee halls of the Teatro La Fenice, along with 10 other girls. The selection process followed tradition and culminated in a fashion show and official presentation on the last day of Carnival. Along with 19-year-old Lavinia Malerba, also a Venetian from the Lido, whom Maria chose from among the readers, Beatrice experienced her first day as Maria of the Year.
Experience
On her first day as Maria of the Year, Beatrice Raffaele donned a costume made by Briggi and walked down the Grand Canal before a crowd of excited spectators. She then led the first crowd of bathers to St. Mark’s Square, where she was greeted by city council president Hermelinda Damiano.
Inspiration for the dress
Beatrice Raffaele’s stunning dress was designed and sewn by Francesco Brigi of Atelier Pietro Longhi. Brigi drew inspiration from the complex theme of “Origins,” associating the four elements of matter according to Democritus with colors: yellow is air, red is fire, green is earth and blue is water. The designer combined these colors in a 19th century dress with a round skirt reminiscent of the movement of the planets, thus referring to cosmology.
Beatrice Raffaele expressed her excitement and gratitude for being named Mary of the Year and stated her ambition to become a designer herself. The Venice Carnival is a major event that revives the culture, traditions and history of the city, attracting visitors from all over the world. The event is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and provides an opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of Venetians such as Beatrice Raffaele and Francesco Brigi.
