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Venice’s ‘Festa del Redentore’: a special night filled with fireworks and tradition
Suitably called ‘the famous night’ by the Venetians, the Redentore Festival is the most important celebration in Venice. It may even surpass the Carnival and the Historical Regatta. The festival is characterized by bright lights, lively stalls, kiosks and long tables along the ‘fondamenta’ (think of them as sidewalks next to the canal) where everyone comes together to have dinner. The celebration is steeped in tradition and is accompanied by various religious services. One of the highlights is the ‘Pesca di beneficenza’. In exchange for a small fee, each participant gets to ‘fish’ a ticket and receives a prize corresponding to the number on the ticket. These prizes are often gifted by the community, and the charity event is organized by the parish of the Redentore (a 16th-century Roman Catholic church situated on the island of Giudecca).
The most eagerly awaited events, however, are the spectacular fireworks on Saturday and the Redentore Regattas on the Giudecca Canal on Sunday, both of which attract thousands of visitors from far and wide. If experiencing the Redentore Festival is on your bucket list, here’s everything you need to know.
Why is it called ‘Redentore’?
The Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer) has very ancient origins, dating back to July 20, 1576. It was created to commemorate the end of the plague that had devastated the city of Venice, causing the death of more than 50,000 people. On September 4, 1576, the Senate of the Serenissima Republic decided to build a church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer as a votive offering to ward off the plague from the city. The first stone was laid on May 3, 1577. Since that day, the Church of the Redeemer has symbolized the end of the plague, which ended in the same year that the construction of the church had begun.
The curious story of the floating pier
The floating bridge is an important symbol of the Redentore celebration. It is used to cross the Giudecca Canal from Zattere to the Palladian Church of the Redeemer. Historically, it was built in 1577 as a votive bridge to allow numerous boats to pass side by side to reach the Church of the Redeemer. Now, the boats have been replaced with wooden beams resting on floating structures. Nevertheless, the feeling of excitement you’re met with when crossing the bridge remains the same.
Celebrating the Festa del Redentore
The Festa del Redentore takes place every year on the Saturday before the third Sunday in July. This year, it will be celebrated from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th.
Should I make a reservation?
You’ll need to reserve a spot along the waterfront on the city’s website if you want to see the fireworks. Reservations are free and initially exclusively available to residents of Venice. Later, non-residents are also able to book spots in the Zattere and San Marco areas, while residents will have access to the Giudecca sectors. In the final phase of reservations, the Giudecca sectors will also be opened to non-residents of the municipality of Venice.
The ‘Regata del Redentore’ on Sunday
If you weren’t already enchanted by the idea of a festive weekend in Venice, the Sunday regattas are sure to win you over. These events feature parades of unique oar-powered boats along the Giudecca Canal, including the famous gondolas and the distinctive two-oared ‘pupparini’ (a bit smaller and flatter than the gondolas). Participants race against each other in hopes to get the title. Each team wears a different color; a tradition dating back to 1843, so that it is easier for spectators to follow the race from the shore.
The most beautiful moment: watching the fireworks from the boat
Undoubtedly, one of the most awaited moments of the Redentore Festival is the fireworks on Saturday, which illuminate the entire St. Mark basin. Everyone looks up in awe as they enjoy the spectacular light show in the sky. The experience is even more magical when viewed from a boat anchored in the lagoon. Trust us on this one, because every year on our bike and boat trip from Mantua to Venice, we stop at Giudecca Island, home of the Palladian Church of the Redeemer. And every year, during Redentore Week, we stand mesmerized on the boat’s viewing deck to enjoy the breathtaking fireworks.
Will you join us for the Redentore? Check out the bike and barge tour from Venice to Mantua with departure on July 19th, 2025 aboard the barge Ave Maria.
