The “Festa del Redentore” (Feast of the Redeemer) is one of the most traditional feasts in Venice. Its history dates back to 1577 to celebrate the end of a plague epidemic that decimated the population throughout Europe. Venice was not immune to the contagion and counted more than 50,000 victims among the population. In gratitude for the end of the plague, the Doge Alvise Mocenigo decided to erect a temple to the Redeemer. He chose the project of the famous architect Andrea Palladio who, with the church on the Giudecca, reconciled the Christian church with all the elements of the classical temple.
Today the day of the Redeemer is certainly the most important moment for the city of Venice and its inhabitants who already in the morning gather on the shore of Giudecca to find a place in the tables traditionally arranged for outdoor dining. The island of Giudecca is joined to Venice by a bridge of floating platforms that can be crossed until 10.30 in the evening. The bridge symbolically ends in front of the facade of the Redentore church.
Towards evening the basin of San Marco and the Giudecca Canal are invaded by boats of all kinds, decorated with lights and festoons. On board are served the traditional dishes of the festival: pasta and beans, marinated sardines, roasted stuffed duck, bovoeti, and of course wine. Dancing and music until the highlight of the party: the fireworks.
The scenery is superb: Venice celebrates with a rite that has always been the same since July 1578. At the end of the fireworks, the custom is to reach the Lido and wait for dawn on the beach. The next day is the time of religious celebrations in the church of the Redentore and rowing competitions. Due to the health emergency, the scheduled event may be subject to changes. Online updates and changes.
Website: www.comune.venezia.it
Location: San Marco Basin, Venice
Schedule: July 17-18, 2021
