The Venice International Art Exhibition, often called simply the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia), is one of the oldest, most important and prestigious international art exhibitions in the world. SHORT HISTORY The Venice Biennale was born in 1895, in order to stimulate the artistic activity and the art market in Venice, from the initiative of a group of Venetian intellectuals led by the mayor of the time, Riccardo Selvatico, who, with the resolution of April 19, 1893, proposed to set up a biennial national artistic exhibition. The first editions were held in the Palazzo Pro Arte, then in the Italian Pavilion, and now in the Central Pavilion, near the Giardini della Biennale, in the Castello district. As early as 1907, a number of other buildings began to rise around the Palazzo Pro Arte, the National Pavilions, created by famous architects in the style of the most diverse world architectures. In 1930, the Biennale became an independent organization dedicated mainly to the promotion of new European artistic trends. In that same year, for the first time, the Contemporary Music Exhibition was held, followed two years later, in 1932, by the most important and famous film festival in the world Read more [...]
All Events in Veneto
Festa della Sensa 2019
Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) is certainly one of the most evocative Venetian traditions, recalling important moments in the history of the Serenissima, through the ceremony of the Marriage of the Sea (Sposalizio del Mare) and the various regattas that takes place, on this occasion, in the Lagoon. Festa della Sensa is, without doubt, one of the most anticipated and appreciated events of the Venetian calendar, not only by tourists, but also by the inhabitants of the city. SHORT HISTORY The feast was born on the day of the Ascension of Christ, to commemorate two very important moments in the history of Venice. The first event occurred on May 9, in the year 1000, when Doge Pietro Orseolo defeated the Slavs who threatened Dalmatia, allowing Venice to become, starting with that moment, the absolute power of the Adriatic Sea. The second event recalls the peace treaty signed in Venice in 1177, between the Doge Sebastiano Ziani, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and Pope Alessandro III, which marked the end of the centuries-old conflict between the Empire and the Papacy. On this occasion, the Doge received gifts from the Pope and, at the same time, the recognition of Venice as Read more [...]
Vogalonga 2019
Vogalonga is one of the most beloved Venetian holidays, held every year in the second half of May or even in early June. Both a non-competitive boat race and a manifest against motor-powered boats that pollute the lagoon, Vogalonga gathers in Venice thousands of participants each year. Vogalonga is practically a race of paddle boats, running around the islands of the lagoon, over a distance of about 30 kilometers. This marathon of non-motorized boats does not have winners, or if you want, winners are all those who participate. Because the race does not limit the participation of anyone, Vogalonga offers an opportunity for both the locals and people from other parts of Italy, and even for participants from around the world. SHORT HISTORY In 1974, a group of friends started to organize a small race in the waters of the Venetian lagoon. Among them, perhaps the most fervent promoter of the event was Lauro Bergamo, who was at the time the director of Il Gazzettino newspaper. The first Vogalonga took place on May 8, 1975, the day of the Festa della Sensa, when the race started in front of the Palazzo Ducale, on a signal given by a cannon-shot. Read more [...]
Transit of Saint Anthony 2019
Transit of Saint Anthony is a religious ceremony and, at the same time, a historical reenactment dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, held every year in Padua, on June 12, on the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony, recalling his last moments on earth. On this occasion, a procession starts around 8.30 am from Piazzale Azzurri d’Italia, in Arcella, a district of Padua, and winds along the streets of the city. Around 9.30 am, the procession reaches Sanctuary dell’Arcella, a church that preserves the room in which St. Anthony of Padua died, and the concert of the bells of the entire city begins. SHORT HISTORY Born in 1195, in Lisbon, Saint Anthony was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. He is known for his powerful preaching and for his devotion to the poor and the sick. In 1231, at the age of 35, sick and aware of his approaching death, Saint Anthony asked to be taken from Camposampiero, a town about 20 kilometers north of Padua, to the city where he wanted to be buried. He was taken to Padua in an ox-drawn cart and, once he arrived on the outskirts of the city, Read more [...]
Aphex Twin – Collapse Tour 2019
The British musician Richard D. James, best known by his stage name Aphex Twin, will perform on Friday, July 12, 2019, in the first day of the Home Venice Festival 2019, in San Giuliano Park, in Mestre, part of the Metropolitan City of Venice. THE ARTIST Aphex Twin is one of the most acclaimed figures in contemporary electronic music, best known for his techno songs released in the 1990s. He began releasing techno records in the early 1990s under the aliases AFX and Polygon Window. His 1992 debut album entitled Selected Ambient Works 85–92 received widespread acclaim. In 1993, he signed to UK electronic label Warp, and rose to mainstream popularity in the following years with albums like Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994), …I Care Because You Do (1995), Richard D. James Album (1996) and singles like Come to Daddy (1997) and Windowlicker (1999). After releasing his album Drukqs in 2001, Richard D. James disappeared for a while as Aphex Twin, but continued to issue music under other names. He returned as Aphex Twin in 2014 with the album Syro, which won a Grammy Award. THE FESTIVAL The Home Festival is a music festival held between 2010 Read more [...]
Home Venice Festival 2019
Home Venice Festival 2019 will take place between 12 and 14 July 2019, in Parco San Giuliano, in Mestre. After 9 years in Treviso, the music festival celebrates its tenth anniversary in the beautiful city of Venice. THE FESTIVAL The Home Festival is a music festival which, since 2010, it was held every year in Treviso on the first weekend of September. For the 2019 edition, the festival is relocated in the San Giuliano Park, in Mestre, Venice. The festival offers various genres of music, from hard rock to electronic music, from jazz to hip-hop, and is inspired by major international festivals such as Sziget, Primavera Sound and Coachella. THE LINEUP The names announced so far for this year’s edition of the Home Venice Festival are: July 12: Aphex Twin, Editors, The Vaccines, Jon Hopkins, Rival Sons, Alborosie, Canova, Mellow Mood, Spiller, Furio; July 13: Paul Kalkbrenner, LP, Pusha-T, Modeselektor, Adam Bayer, Gazzelle, Noyz Narcos, Franco126, Tedua; July 14: Young Thug, Mura Masa, Boomdabash, Gue Pequeno, Anastasio, Elettra Lamborghini. THE VENUE The San Giuliano Park is a large urban park located on the mainland of Venice, in Mestre. The park overlooks the Venetian Lagoon, near the end Read more [...]
Modeselektor – Modeselektion 4 2019
The German duo Modeselektor will perform on Saturday, July, 2019, at the Home Venice Festival 2019, in Parco San Giuliano, in Mestre. THE ARTISTS Modeselektor is a German electronic music group formed in 1996, consisting of Gernot Bronsert and Sebastian Szary. Their first studio album, Hello Mom!, was released in 2005, followed by Happy Birthday!, in 2007, and Monkeytown, in 2011. They also released three albums under the name Moderat, a musical collaboration between Modeselektor and Apparat, and four compilations, between 2010 and 2018, under the tile Modeselektion. THE FESTIVAL The Home Festival is a music festival held since 2010 in Treviso, on the first weekend of September, and relocated to the San Giuliano Park, in Mestre, Venice, for its 10th edition. The festival offers various genres of music, from hard rock to electronic music, from jazz to hip-hop, and is inspired by major international festivals such as Sziget, Primavera Sound and Coachella. THE VENUE Parco San Giuliano is a large urban park located on the mainland of Venice, in Mestre. The park overlooks the Venetian Lagoon, near the Ponte della Libertà, not far from the Marco Polo International Airport. The closest bus stop is Orlanda San Read more [...]
LP – Heart to Mouth Tour 2019
The American singer Laura Pergolizzi, better known as LP, will perform on Saturday, July 13, 2019, on the main stage of the Home Venice Festival 2019, a festival that will take place in San Giuliano Park, in Mestre, Venice. THE ARTIST Between 2001 and 2018, LP released 5 studio albums. Her debut album, Heart-Shaped Scar, was released in 2001 through Koch Records. LP’s second album, Suburban Sprawl & Alcohol, was released in June 2004, but in spite of positive reviews from critics, the album failed to gain widespread recognition. In 2009, LP started writing songs for other artists, including Cher, Rihanna, Backstreet Boys, Leona Lewis, Mylène Farmer and Christina Aguilera. LP’s third album, Forever for Now, was released ten years after her second album, in 2014. Her fourth studio album, Lost on You, was released in 2016. Her biggest hit to date, the track Lost On You, went platinum in Russia, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, Italy, France and more. Her fifth album, Heart to Mouth, was released on December 7, 2018. She also started a tour to promote this album. THE FESTIVAL Home Festival is a music festival held for 9 years in Treviso, starting with 2010, and relocated Read more [...]
Paul Kalkbrenner – Parts of Life Tour 2019
The German electronic music producer Paul Kalkbrenner will perform on Saturday, July 13, 2019, on the stage of the Home Venice Festival 2019, in Parco San Giuliano, in Mestre, part of the Metropolitan City of Venice. THE ARTIST His first tracks were released in 1999 on BPitch Control, the record label established by Ellen Allien in Berlin. A series of singles and two albums – Superimpose and Zeit, both in 2001, followed. Paul’s third album – Self, released in 2004, would mark the beginning of a new era. His most musical and mature album to date, offered a first glimpse of what was yet to come. The track Gebrünn Gebrünn, released one year later, became a crossover hit and cemented Paul’s status as an electronic music producer. In 2006, the German director Hannes Stöhr decided to get in contact with Kalkbrenner. His idea was to produce a film about a DJ, and Paul would compose the soundtrack. Later, the two agreed that Paul would also have the lead role in the film, entitled Berlin Calling. The soundtrack contained a song – Sky and Sand, which later sold over 200,000 copies, went platinum, and became his most known single to Read more [...]
Festa del Redentore 2019
Festa del Redentore (Feast of the Redeemer) is one of the most beloved Venetian celebrations, held every year in Venice, in the third weekend of July. At first, Festa del Redentore was a purely religious feast, but, over time, profane elements found their place alongside religious manifestations, and today the event includes a party, a regatta and one of the most impressive firework display in the world. SHORT HISTORY Between 1575 and 1577, Venice was hit by a merciless plague that killed about one-third of the city’s population. Due to the precarious conditions in which the people were living and to a high population density, the disease spread rapidly and was difficult to control. In 1576, the Venetian Senate decided to build a church dedicated to Jesus the Redeemer (Il Redentore), hoping to get rid of the disease. A year later, in July, the city was declared cured, and the Venetians initiated a new celebration called Festa del Redentore. Today, the feast takes place in the third weekend of July and, on this occasion, a bridge is built across the Giudecca Canal, between Zattere and the Giudecca Island, that people cross in a short pilgrimage to the church built Read more [...]
Sting – My Songs Tour 2019
Sting will perform on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at the Arena Live Ex Foro Boario, in Padua, as part of his My Songs tour. THE ARTIST Sting was born in Newcastle, England, in 1951, and moved to London in 1977. In London, he formed the Police, together with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band released five albums, won 6 Grammys, 2 Brit Awards and in 2003 was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Sting, as a solo artist, received 10 Grammy, 2 Brit Awards, 1 Golden Globe, 1 Emmy, 4 Oscar nominations, a TONY nomination, the Billboard Magazine’s Century Awards and the MusiCares Person of the Year in 2004. Over the course of his long career, Sting sold almost 100 million albums (including albums released with the Police and solo albums). THE VENUE Arena Live Ex Foro Boario is an open-air structure located in Via Giuseppe Tassinari, in Padua, close to the Gran Teatro Geox. The easiest way to reach the arena is by taxi.
Venice Film Festival 2019
The 76th edition of the Venice Film Festival, also known as Biennale Cinema, will take place between August 28 and September 7, 2019, on the Lido island, in Venice. The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and one of the most prestigious, alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival. SHORT HISTORY The festival was held for the first time in 1932, as part of the 18th Venice Biennale, and became an annual event starting with 1935. The first edition of the festival included films that became classics of the cinema, such as It Happened One Night by Frank Capra, Grand Hotel by Edmund Goulding, The Champ by King Vidor, Frankenstein by James Whale and many other, attracting over 25 thousand spectators. The second edition of the festival was held between 1 and 20 August 1934, and it included for the first time a competition between 19 participating countries. As of 1935, the Festival became a yearly event. In 1936, an international jury was nominated for the first time and, in 1937, the Palazzo del Cinema, on Venice Lido, was inaugurated. The Festival was held three times during the Second World Read more [...]
Regata Storica 2019
Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) is both a historical reenactment and a sporting event taking place every year on the first Sunday of September, in Venice. The Historical Regatta is a celebration loved by the locals and tourists alike, and the most important event of the Voga alla Veneta (Row like a Venetian) calendar. SHORT HISTORY The nature of the Venetian Lagoon encouraged rowing since the appearance of the first people in the area, who were forced to move mainly on water. It did not took long until the skills of the locals were recognized, and from here to the organization of rowing competitions it was only one step. Every year, Regata Storica begins with an impressive procession that commemorates the triumphal reception in Venice of Catherine Cornaro, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Cyprus. She, coming from a wealthy and influential Venetian family, abdicated in 1489 in favor of Venice, being applauded upon her return. During the celebration, boats similar to those of the 16th century navigate the Grand Canal, headed by a replica of the famous Bucintoro (Bucentaur), the festive ship of the Doges of Venice. Seven rowing races take place on this day, structured by category, Read more [...]
International Festival of Contemporary Music 2019
The 63rd edition of the International Festival of Contemporary Music, known also as Biennale Musica, will take place between 27 September and 6 October 2019, in Venice. The Music department of the Venice Biennale is directed by Ivan Fedele, a composer whose portfolio counts over 175 works and includes orchestral pieces, electro-acoustic and chamber music. In 2016, Fedele received the Prix International Arthur Honegger for his overall work as a composer. SHORT HISTORY The Venice Festival of Contemporary Music was initiated in 1930, as an adjacent event to the Venice Biennale. With the first edition of the Venice Film Festival in 1932, and the first International Theatre Festival in 1934, the Venice Biennale took a multidisciplinary character, which was preserved to this day. At first, the International Festival of Contemporary Music was held every two years, and then, from 1937, annually. Excluding the interruptions of the Second World War, the festival continued to the present. THE VENUES Following a restoration process begun in 2000, the Teatro Piccolo Arsenale, the Teatro alle Tese and the Sale d’Armi became the venues for the shows of the International Festival of Contemporary Music. The venues are equipped with the most advanced technologies. Read more [...]
Festa della Salute 2019
Festa della Madonna della Salute, commonly known as Festa della Salute, is a religious celebration taking place every year on November 21, in Venice. The feast, dedicated in particular to the locals and less known by tourists, has a strong religious character, taking the form of a pilgrimage which starts from San Marco, from the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio, and ends in Dorsoduro, at the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, crossing the Grand Canal on a votive bridge specially built on boats for this occasion. SHORT HISTORY Festa della Salute, like many local holidays, commemorates a painful moment in Venice’s history – the epidemic from 1630-1631. The disease had been brought from Mantova in June of 1630 by some ambassadors sent to ask for help, and spread rapidly throughout the city, killing almost 50,000 people in about a year. In the autumn of 1630, the Venetians organized a three-day procession involving more than 10,000 people, during which Nicolò Contarini, the Doge of Venice, invoked the help of the Virgin Mary and publicly promised to raise a church called Salute, if the city will get rid of the plague. In April, 1631, the Doge was killed by Read more [...]
Carnival of Venice 2020
The Carnival of Venice 2020, one of the most famous and appreciated carnivals in the world, will take place between 8 and 25 February 2020, in the beautiful city of Venice. On this occasion, for 18 days in a row, we will have the pleasure to admire many wonderful masks and costumes, worn by hundreds of thousands of people coming from all over the world to parade through the narrow streets of Venice. SHORT HISTORY The first information about a carnival in Venice dates back to 1094, when the word carnevale was mentioned for the first time in a document signed by the Doge Vitale Faliero. Back then, the carnival was an event dedicated in particular to the people from the lower classes, who, through the anonymity guaranteed by masks, could relate with the nobility of the time. The first official document declaring the Carnival of Venice a public holiday dates back to 1296, when the Senate of the Republic set it before Lent. Starting with that moment, for the next few hundred years, the Carnival lasted six weeks, usually between December 26 and Ash Wednesday. During the 18th century, the Venice Carnival reached its maximum splendor and international Read more [...]
Venetian Feast on Water 2020
The Venetian Feast on Water (Festa Veneziana sull’acqua), the grand opening of the Carnival of Venice 2020, will take place on two consecutive days, 8 and 9 February 2020, in Venice. Saturday, February 8, on the first day of the feast, the Cannaregio Canal will turn into a water stage, on which an impressive show of music, color and light will take place, for the enjoyment of thousands of people, locals and tourists alike. The show will consist of aquatic performances, acrobatics, dance and music, celebrating, first of all, the water on which the city is built. On the second day of the feast – Sunday, February 9, the Venetian Feast on Water will continue with its second part. Starting at 11.00 am, a water parade will take place on the Grand Canal. The specific Venetian boats will sail along the Grand Canal, from Punta della Dogana to the Cannaregio Canal. Here, on the banks of the Cannaregio Canal, starting with 12.00 pm, you will find various stalls with traditional delicacies, venetian specialities and wine.
Festa delle Marie 2020
Festa delle Marie (Feast of the Marys) will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2020, in Venice, as part of the Carnival of Venice 2020. On this occasion, a procession will start in front of the Church of San Pietro di Castello around 2.30 pm, will pass through via Garibaldi and Riva degli Schiavoni, to reach the stage in the Saint Mark’s Square around 4.00 pm, where the twelve Marias will be presented to the public. SHORT HISTORY The custom of blessing the girls who were going to get married appeared in Venice in the 9th century. The blessing took place in the Church of San Pietro di Castello, the former cathedral of Venice. On this occasion, twelve beautiful girls from the poorest families of the city were chosen, and each girl was assigned to a rich Venetian family. The family gave her clothes, jewels and a dowry so she could marry. In 844, during the blessing held in the Church of San Pietro di Castello, a group of Dalmatian pirates kidnapped the girls, also stealing their jewelry. The Doge Pietro Tradonico organized the pursuit of the pirates and caught them near Caorle, freeing the girls and recovering their Read more [...]
Flight of the Angel 2020
The Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo) will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2020, between 11.00 am and 12.00 pm, in Venice. During the Flight of the Angel, one of the highlights of the Carnival of Venice 2020, the girl who was chosen the previous year as the Maria of the Carnival will fly along a cable from the Saint Mark’s Campanile to the center of the Saint Mark’s Square. SHORT HISTORY This tradition originated around the middle of the 16th century, when a Turkish acrobat descended from the belfry of St. Mark’s Basilica, to a balcony of the Doge’s Palace, paying homage to the Doge. After the success of his performance, it was decided that the moment would be repeated every year, under the name of the Flight of the Turk (Volo del Turco). In the first years, the acrobatics were performed only by professional tightrope walkers. Later, after a man with angel wings descended from the bell tower, the event changed its name to the Flight of the Angel. In 1759, when an acrobat fell to the ground in front of the crowd, the performance was banned and the acrobat was replaced by a large wooden Read more [...]
Best Mask Contest 2020
The Best Mask Contest is a masks competition that takes place every year in Venice during the Carnival of Venice. For the Venice Carnival 2020, the competition will be held between 20 and 22 February, with the grand final on Sunday, February 23, when the winners will be selected. Between 20 and 22 February, the competitors parade on stage will be held twice a day in the Saint Mark’s Square. The participants will challenge each other by masks and costumes, wigs, feathers and caps. On February 23, the grand final will be held on the same stage, when a jury composed of experts will select the 2 winners of the two categories: Best Masked Costume and Best Masked Costume according to the theme of the Venice Carnival 2020. On the final selection, will appear all the participants that have won the previous parades. On Monday, February 24, there will be two parades dedicated to kids. The participation in the competition is free and, if you want to compete in the Best Mask Contest 2020, you will have to fill out a form that will be available starting with December 2019 on the official website of the Carnival.
Flight of the Eagle 2020
The Flight of the Eagle (Volo dell’Aquila) will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2020, in the last weekend of the Venice Carnival 2020. SHORT HISTORY Starting with 2012, due to the increasing popularity of the Flight of the Angel, it was decided that another spectacular flight – the Flight of the Eagle, would take place on the following Sunday of the Carnival, from the Saint Mark’s Campanile to the stage located in the Saint Mark’s Square. Since 2012, the Flight of the Eagle has been performed by Fabrizia D’Ottavio (gymnast), Francesca Piccinini (volleyball player), Carolina Kostner (ice skater), Giusy Versace (paralympic athlete), Saturino (musician), Melissa Satta (actress) and Renzo Rosso (entrepreneur). In 2019, it was the turn of Arianna Fontana, champion of Short Track with eight Olympic medals.
