Venetian feasts

The two most important Venetian popular feasts are related to two plague epidemics and two churches were erected for the occasions.

Redentore

Redentore feast commemorates the terrible outbreak of plague which struck Venice in 1575-77. In the past, plague was considered a punishment from God and therefore the Venetian Government decided to make a vow for the deliverance of the city from the plague. They erected a Church as a thanksgiving and dedicated it to Christ the Redeemer. The Church was built on the Giudecca Island and was designed by Anrdrea Palladio, one of the most important Renaissance architects.

The feast: Every year on the third Sunday of July the population visit the Church, crossing a provisional pontoon across the Giudecca Canal, to attend the Holy Mass held by the Patriarch (the Bishop). But the major event takes place on Saturday night with a magnificent firework display in the middle of Saint Mark's Basin. From sunset hundred of boats, decorated with leafy branches and balloons, wait for the performance while people eat traditional food.

The Madonna della Salute feast-day

The Madonna della Salute feast-day refers to the plague that, in the XVII century, killed one third of the Venetian population. In 1630 the government of the Republic of Venice made a vow to build a sumptuous church dedicated to the Madonna della Salute (which means both Health and Salvation), asking the Virgin her intercession for the deliverance of Venice from the plague. The church was designed by B. Longhena and is the most important baroque Church in Venice.

The feast: Every year, on November 21st, Venetians cross a pontoon bridge which links the Church to the city centre, to visit the Salute and pray to the Holy Virgin for their health. Outside the Church many stands sell candles of all sizes and also candies, pancakes, toy balloons and other gadgets creating a village festival atmosphere.