THE REDEEMER

The San Marco Basin is colored on the occasion of the most awaited party by the Venetians, the third Saturday of July: the Redeemer, during which the waters, behind the bell towers, spiers and domes, will be reflected all the colorful shades of the fireworks late in the evening.

The history of this festival is very important for the Venetians because it recalls the end of the plague epidemic of 1575-1577. The homonymous basilica of Palladio was built on the island of Giudecca, which can be reached today by crossing a 330-meter long bridge of boats installed for this occasion.

In addition to the religious nature, the feast should be remembered for the great fireworks show held on the night between Saturday and Sunday on the San Marco basin and for the three regattas of typical Venetian boats organized the following day, thus attracting a large audience from all over the world. At sunset, the boats of the citizens, decorated and illuminated, flow into the San Marco Basin and the Giudecca Canal to attend the show.

On Saturday, the votive bridge that connects the Zattere with the Church of the Redeemer to the island of Giudecca is usually open and at 11.30 pm you can celebrate the most awaited event, admiring the fireworks display. On Sunday you can attend the traditional Venetian Regattas on the Giudecca Canal: Regatta of the very young on 2-row pupparini, Regatta on 2-row pupparini, Regatta on 2-row gondolas.

The pupparini are typical boats of the Venice Lagoon, they were used by some Venetian patrician families as private family boats, a sign of high social status. The rich decorations of these boats bore the colors of their family.

On Sunday evening, for those who like, usually the Votive Mass is celebrated at the Church of the Redeemer in Giudecca Island.