Contacts
Feast of the Redeemer
one of the most important and popular festivals in Venice
THE FEAST OF THE REDEEMER
dates back to 1577
The Feast of the Redeemer is one of the most important and beloved festivals in Venice, also internationally, which this year will take place on the weekend of 14-16 July.
Its origin dates back to 1577, when the Venetian city was hit by a severe plague epidemic responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people. To placate the plague, the Venetian Senate decided to build a church called the ‘Chiesa del Redentore’ (Church of the Redeemer) on the island of Giudecca, and at the end of the epidemic it instituted the annual festival, which took the name Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer).
During the event, a pontoon bridge is set up connecting the north shore of the city with the island of Giudecca to allow people to cross the canal and reach the Redentore church to take part in the religious celebrations.
On Saturday evening, there is a fireworks display, considered one of the largest and most famous in Europe, which lights up the sky above the Venice lagoon. This is followed by dinners and parties organised in the homes of Venetians or in restaurants along the canal: the night passes with music, dancing and traditional songs.
This is the complete 2023 programme:
FRIDAY 14 JULY
from 20.00 – Opening of the votive bridge connecting the Zattere with the Church of the Redeemer on the island of Giudecca.
It will remain open until midnight on Sunday 16 July
SATURDAY 15 JULY
from 11.30 p.m. – Firework display in St Mark’s Basin
SUNDAY 16 JULY
Regatta of the Redeemer in the Giudecca Canal:
4.00 p.m. Regatta of the very young on 2-oared pupparini
4.45 p.m. Regatta on 2-row pupparini
5.30 p.m. Regatta on 2-oared gondolas
7.00 p.m. – Votive Mass at the Redentore Church on Giudecca Island
Redentore diffused programme “Le Citta’ in Festa”
ASSEGGIANO “Asseggiano in Festa”. Saturday 15 July, fireworks display at 23.30. Find out more.
FAVARO VENETO “Redentore a Favaro”. Saturday 15 July, fireworks at 11.30 pm at the sports centre.
MALCONTENTA “Sagra del Redentore”, from 13th to 18th July. Saturday 15 July, firework display at 11.30 pm.
MARGHERA “Festa del Redentore a Marghera”, Piazza Mercato – Piazza Municipio and surrounding areas. Live music, typical gastronomy and dance performances.
PELLESTRINA “Redentore a Pellestrina”, Piazza Zendrini. Saturday 15 July, firework display at 11.30 p.m.
GAZZERA “Redentore al Parco”, Villa Pozzi: picnic, magic shows, theatre and music
