THE REDENTORE FEAST

(third Saturday  and Sunday of  July )

The Redentore Feast is a deeply felt celebration in Venice as it combines religion with entertainment, thanks to the Saturday night phantasmagorical fireworks’ display attracting thousands of visitors: a kaleidoscope of shades, from a game of light and colours on the inimitable setting in St. Mark’s Basin, lights up the spires, domes and bell towers of the city. At dusk, plenty of boats traditionally decked out with flower festoons, colourful balloons and brightly Chinese lamps begin to flock into both St. Mark’s Basin and the Giudecca Canal. Awaiting for the firework display, which starts at 11.30 p.m. and lasts late into the night, people enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional Venetian specialities.

Brief history

This tradition dates back to 1577, right at the end of a terrible plague. The Redentore Feast was first held to celebrate the construction of the Palladio’s Redentore Church (i.e. Redeemer Church), built on the Giudecca Island to give thanks for being freed from that plague. Celebrations include the Holy Mass presided by the Bishop and the religious procession to the Palladian basilica, which can be done via an impressive 330 metre pontoon bridge. The weekend finishes with the ‘Regata su gondole’, a gondola race organised as part of the Voga alla Veneta rowing season.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

SATURDAY

07.00 p.m. – Opening of the votive bridge connecting the Zattere waterfront with the Chiesa del Redentore (Church of the Redeemer) on the island of Giudecca and presentation of the Venetian regatta boat crews.

11.30 p.m. – Firework display in St. Mark’s Basin

SUNDAY

Regate del Redentore (Regatta of the Redeemer) – Giudecca canal

07.00 p.m. – Votive Mass at the Chiesa del Redentore on the island of Giudecca

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