Are you ready for Venice events this summer? The city of canals comes alive in the summer with a myriad of events that celebrate its unique history and vibrant traditions. Among these, the Redentore Festival stands out as one of the most famous and eagerly anticipated celebrations. Held each July, this annual event, steeped in history and bursting with spectacular displays, brings together locals and visitors alike in a grand tribute to Venice’s resilience and enduring spirit. As one of the highlights of the Venetian summer calendar, the Redentore Festival exemplifies the city’s ability to blend the sacred with the festive, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the lagoon.
Venice Events: the history of Redentore
“Redentore” is the Italian word for “Redeemer.” In the context of the Redentore Festival in Venice, it refers specifically to Christ the Redeemer. The festival commemorates the end of a devastating plague in 1577, which the Venetians believed was brought to an end through divine intervention. In gratitude, the city built the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore), designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio and the annual celebration was established to honor the Redeemer for saving Venice from the plague.
The first celebration took place in July 1577, with a votive bridge of boats set up to connect the city to the island of Giudecca, allowing the faithful to reach the new church for a solemn procession. This annual event, held on the Saturday before the third Sunday of July, has continued for nearly five centuries, becoming a significant cultural and religious tradition in Venice.
What is the Redentore Festival?
The Redentore Festival combines religious devotion, historical significance, cultural heritage, and a spectacular public celebration. The festivities begin with the opening of the votive bridge, followed by the Patriarch of Venice’s blessing and a procession to the Church of the Redeemer. The event reaches its climax with a breathtaking fireworks display over San Marco, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
When is it?
The Redentore 2024 program spans from July 19 to July 21, featuring various events that build up to the main celebration on the night of Saturday, July 20, when the grand fireworks display takes place.
Main Events of the Redentore 2024
- Fireworks Display: the highlight of the Redentore Festival is the grand fireworks show on the night of Saturday, July 20, 2024. The sky over San Marco will be ablaze with a stunning array of colors, reflecting off the city’s spires, domes, and bell towers. The display starts at 11:30 PM and continues well past midnight, captivating locals and visitors alike.
- Votive Bridge and Procession: on Saturday, a long votive bridge made of boats is set up across the Giudecca Canal, connecting the island with the Zattere near the Church of the Holy Spirit. This bridge allows pedestrians to reach the Church of the Redeemer for the procession. The celebrations begin with the Patriarch of Venice’s blessing at the church steps, followed by the first Eucharistic celebration at 7:30 PM, another at midnight, and several more on Sunday.
- Traditional regattas: on Sunday, July 21, 2024, traditional Venetian boat regattas take place, attracting a diverse audience from around the world. These races feature typical Venetian boats, showcasing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
For infos: Venezia Unica
Things to do during your stay in Venice
Visiting Venice during the Redentore Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the city at its most vibrant. Beyond the main festival events, there are numerous activities and sights to explore.
Explore Venice’s Islands: Venice is not just its main islands. A visit to the smaller islands in the lagoon offers a different perspective on Venetian life. Take a boat tour with Serenissima Tour to discover the beauty and charm of islands like Murano, known for its glassmaking, Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lace-making, and Torcello, with its ancient basilica.
Boat Excursions with Serenissima Tour during Venice Events? For nearly a century, Serenissima Tour has been organizing boat excursions in Venice and its islands. Our tours provide an excellent way to explore the lagoon, offering insights into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, joining one of these excursions ensures a memorable experience.
Visit the Historic Sites: Venice is rich in historical landmarks. Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Each site offers a glimpse into the city’s glorious past and its unique architectural heritage.
Enjoy Venetian Cuisine: the Redentore Festival is also a time for feasting. On the night of the fireworks, locals and visitors alike gather on decorated boats or along the waterfront to enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner. Dishes often include seafood, pasta, and local wines, reflecting the culinary traditions of the region.
Cultural Events and Exhibitions: during the festival weekend, Venice hosts various cultural events and exhibitions. These may include art displays, music concerts, and theater performances, providing a rich cultural experience alongside the main festivities.
Experiencing the Redentore Festival in Venice – our suggestion!
Imagine yourself in the city during one of the city’s most magical and anticipated Venice events: the Redentore Festival. As the summer sun sets over the shimmering canals, the city transforms into a vibrant tapestry of lights, colors, and joyous celebrations.
The day begins: your day starts with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Venice. The air is filled with excitement as locals and tourists alike prepare for the evening’s festivities. You might explore the bustling Rialto Market, picking up some fresh fruits and Venetian delicacies to enjoy later. As you walk, you’ll notice boats being adorned with colorful decorations, a prelude to the night’s grand spectacle.
Exploring Venice and Its Islands in the afternoon: in the afternoon, you decide to take a boat tour with Serenissima Tour, a company with a rich history of organizing excursions in Venice and its islands. The tour takes you to Murano, famous for its exquisite glassmaking. Here, you watch master glassblowers at work, creating intricate pieces of art. Next, you visit Burano, with its brightly colored houses and intricate lace-making traditions, and finally, Torcello, where you explore the ancient basilica and its stunning mosaics.
The festivities start in the evening: as evening approaches, you return to the heart of Venice. The votive bridge, constructed specially for the festival, is now in place, connecting the Zattere to the island of Giudecca. This temporary bridge allows thousands of people to participate in the solemn procession to the Church of the Redeemer. You join the crowd and make your way across the bridge, feeling the communal spirit and reverence that marks this sacred tradition.
Enjoy Venetian specialities for dinner: after the procession, you head to your dining option overlooking San Marco. The boats, adorned with lights, branches, and balloons, are a sight to behold. Onboard, you enjoy a traditional Venetian dinner featuring dishes such as sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), baccalà mantecato (creamed cod), and bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovy sauce), all paired with local wines.
Read also: The Best Districts for Aperitivo after your Venice Boat Tour
The grand Fireworks display: at 11:30 PM, the main event begins. The sky above the Bacino di San Marco explodes in a dazzling display of fireworks. The vibrant colors reflect off the water and illuminate the historic skyline of Venice, creating a breathtaking panorama. You watch in awe as the fireworks paint the sky, their reflections dancing on the canals. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the sounds of oohs and aahs, laughter, and the occasional cheer.
Historical Regatta: Sunday starting from 4 PM, witness an extraordinary event. Historical boats manned by Venetians in costume in a ceremonial parade along the Grand Canal.
