An old, but spectacular Venetian tradition: Festa del Redentore is a big event taking place every year on the third Sunday of July.
It reminds the Venetian Senate decision to build the Chiesa del Redentore (Redeemer’s Church) as an ex-vote for the liberation of the city from the black death of 1575-1577, a plague that caused the death of more than a third of the city’s population in just two years.
In July 1577, it was decided to celebrate the liberation every year with a votive pontoon bridge between Zattere area and Giudecca, which is 350 meters long and supported by 34 boats.
Despite the sad origin of this tradition, after about five centuries, it is still a vivid event for Venetians.
Nowadays, the religious tradition is still alive, but beside that, Festa del Redentore is also well-known for the great show of fireworks held in the night between Saturday and Sunday on the San Marco basin and for the three typical Venetian boat regattas organized the following day.
The stunning fireworks and the originality of the event attract many people from all over the region and the world.
If you are lucky enough to own a boat, then you should watch the fireworks on the water like a true Venetian, that’s a rare show.
If you don’t, like us, no problem, the warm weather will allow you to sit along Giudecca Canal and have a nice picnic with your friends, waiting for the fireworks.
The program of this year begins on Saturday:
Saturday 15 July
The long pontoon bridge open to pilgrims
11.30 pm – Fireworks from St. Mark Basin
Sunday 16 July
Redentore Regatta – Giudecca Canal
7.00 pm – Religious celebration in Chiesa del Redentore