The Redentore, also known as the “Festa Famosissima“, is one of the most important events in Venice. It is a commemoration that occurs on the third Sunday of July and develops for days around Giudecca Island.
Venice underwent the plague in 1575-1577. Since then, the floating city is devoted to the Church of the Redeemer, to which the doge promised a yearly celebration for the deliverance from the plague.
Redentore: the celebrations
The Redentore is a religious event. On this occasion, Venetian people arrange a votive floating bridge made of boats that connects Fondamenta Zattere to Giudecca Island.
The Venice Patriarch inaugurates the celebrations with the bridge’s benediction. From this moment, people go in procession crossing the bridge and getting to the Redentore Church, where official and solemn Masses are held.
However, the event has also an important role in the social life of the Venetian people.
The great firework show that enlights the Bacino di San Marco on Saturday night is like New Years’ Eve. Every year, it attracts thousands of people to the floating city. The luckiest can assist the show from the water while cheering to the show with sparkling wine on a boat.
Check here the video of the show that enlightened tower bells and rooftops this year. The coloured games of lights were stunning.
Furthermore, on the Redentore Sunday, 3 regattas with historical Venetian vessels go on on the Giudecca Canal.
Redeemer’s Feast 2022 edition
This year, the San Marco basin welcomed more than 70 thousand people for the fireworks show. 3600 boats crowded the water, while almost 40 thousand people, among Venetians and tourists, reserved their seats on Fondamenta Zattere or Riva degli Schiavoni.
The city of Venice twins with Odessa. Therefore, this year’s celebration was an occasion also to keep the focus on the Ukrainian situation, with a homage to the Ukrainian city.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, access both to land and to water was allowed only with prebooking. Boat owners also had to comply with the town’s ordinances.
For 2023, the Redeemer’s Feast is scheduled for the 15th and 16th of July. Do not miss the chance to live it like a true Venetian!
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