La Festa del Redentore in Venice
One of the biggest celebrations in all of Italy happens every third weekend of July in Venice: La Festa del Redentore. The 2009 edition will be held 18-19 July.
As with many Italian feasts, the Feast of the Redeemer dates back to the times of the Plague. To mark the end of this devastating period in La Serenissima's history, the Doge commissioned none other than Andrea Palladio to design and build an impressive church on the island of Giudecca, an island in the Venetian lagoon.
The church was consecrated in 1592 as La Redentore, or The Redeemer, and remains one of the greatest examples of Palladian religious architecture.
Soon thereafter, the Doge began yearly pilgrimages to La Redentore, and now thousands of Venetians and visitors from all over the world continue the tradition with a celebration every year. As you'll see from the videos, the two most important parts of the celebration are the music and fireworks on Saturday night, which can last up to an hour.
In anticipation of the big event, spectators prepare their boats and terraces with brightly coloured decorations and soak in the Venetian sunshine, enjoying dinner and drinks in the Grand Canal as they wait for the show. Religious services are held on Sunday.
Check out past celebrations, both before and during the fireworks:
Have you had the privilege of being in the Grand Canal during La Festa del Redentore? Is it as crazy as Martedì Grasso?
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An exceptional Redentore, for the fireworks and l'aria fresca
Great article, Michelle! I will have to say that this year's fireworks may have been the best ever. Of course, I say that every year. ;) I believe it was helped by the fact that for some reason, the weather was simply spectacular. The official count was 100,000 visitors, just for the one night. Incredible!
Ordinarily the weather is extremely hot and sultry for the Redentore, but this year it was cool and breezy, making for marvelous fireworks-watching. We should be so luckly again next year...incrociamo le dita. :)
was there for 2008
I had the privilege to be in Venice for Redentore celebrations last year with the Save Venice Inc. group. One the eve of the fireworks, we were hosted by the Cipriani, had drinks in the garden, an extremely elegant dinner and then front row seats on the Guidecca. It was the most extraordinary thing I have ever seen. The fireworks were endless - extremely beautiful and elaborate. The city was wild that night, revelers well into the next morning.
Meravigliosa!
Sounds so wonderful, Francesca! I'm not a huge fireworks fan, but just from the video, it's obvious that this is no ordinary fireworks show. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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