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Venice’s Festa del Redentore: a special night of fireworks and tradition
The Venetians call it “the famous night”, and indeed the Redentore Festival is the most important celebration in Venice. It surpasses even the Carnival and the Historical Regatta. The festival is characterized by bright lights, lively stalls, kiosks and long communal tables along the fondamenta where everyone comes together to eat. The celebration is steeped in tradition and is accompanied by various religious services. One of the highlights is the charity fishing organized by the Parish of the Redentore.
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 attending the Redentore Festival has become a priority for you, 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 served as a symbol of the end of the plague, which stopped in the same year that the construction of the church began.
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 place where the Church of the Redeemer was finally built. Today, the bridge is no longer made of boats, but of wooden beams resting on floating structures. Nevertheless, the excitement of crossing it remains unchanged.
Celebrating the Festa del Redentore
The Festa del Redentore takes place every year on the Saturday before the third Sunday in July. In 2025 it will be celebrated from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, July 20th.
Should I make a reservation?
To view the fireworks, it is necessary to reserve a spot along the waterfront on the city’s website. Reservations are free and initially available to residents of Venice. Later, non-residents will also be 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 Venice Municipality.
The “Regata del Redentore” on Sunday
A visit to Venice during the Days of the Redeemer is also worthwhile for the Sunday regattas. These events feature parades of unique oar-powered boats along the Giudecca Canal, including the famous gondolas and the distinctive two-oared pupparini. Participants race against each other for the title of race winner. Each team wears a different color, ranging from purple to red, green to orange, and many others. This tradition, which dates back to 1843, makes it easier for spectators to follow the race from the shore.
The most beautiful moment: watching the fireworks from the boat
One of the most awaited moments of the Redentore Festival is definitely the Saturday fireworks, which illuminate the entire basin of St. Mark. Everyone stands in silence and 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. We speak from experience 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. During Redentore Week, this stop allows us to enjoy the breathtaking fireworks from the boat’s viewing deck.
Will you join us for the Redentore?
