The Redeemer feast 2012
The date may vary from year to year however it is always on the third Sunday of July, (fireworks on Saturday Evening).
The tradition has its origins from the far distant 1577, in memory of a terrifying plague that hit Venice. To pay homage to the end of the epidemic, venetians built on the isle of Giudecca the Church of the Redeemer (Chiesa del Redentore) once a year Venetian visit the church as pilgrim.
Thanks also to a bridge made with boat that span across the canale della giudecca connecting the isle and the city of Venice. In the past the bridge was made by boat tied together, however this blocked the traffic during the celebrations, now the bridge consist in several barges tied together in the centre there is an arch where boat can pass trough and allow people to walk over. The floating bridge measure 330 meters.
The religious ceremony includes the function celebrate by the city Patriarch, the week end ends with the traditional rowing regatta on gondolas and a traditional benefit game organized by the resident community.
The amusing moment happen on Saturday evening, many people reach on boats plenty of delicious traditional dishes, the Saint mark’s basin, those boats are lighted and heavily decorated, and can be also rented, they tied the boat along the pier of Saint mark’s, giudecca, o punta della Salute, to enjoy the spectacular fireworks, that go on for 40 minutes starting at 11.30 pm, at that time the basing is plenty of boat tied together to each other ( “al lai” is the venetian term to describe two boats tied together. Other people prefer to prepare table on Giudecca pier, a sort of open air restaurant, a great moment to pass with company of friends and neighbourhood until the lights are turned off and the fireworks begin.
Every year Venetians can’t wait for a great show that every year is getting better and better. A multitude of coloured lights reflected on the water, the domes, towers and palaces, an unique event, really breathtaking, that fascinated its spectators to the point that every one promise to be back next year.
We wait for you to come back this year too in Venice to attend the Redeemer feast on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July 2012.
The program
SATURDAY 14 JULY 2012
Hours 19.00 opening of votive bridge that connects the Zattere with the Church of the Redeemer on the Giudecca island.
H 23.30 fireworks in St. Mark's basin
SUNDAY 15 JULY 2012
Races of the Redeemer-Giudecca Canal:
H 16.00 regatta of young on pupparini 2 rows
H16.45 regatta on pupparinos, two rows
H. 17.30 regatta on gondolas 2 rows
Cured by tourism council of Venice city hall
H 19.00 Votive Mass at the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca island
