Festa del Redentore 2024

Festa del Redentore 2024 (Feast of the Redeemer 2024), one of the most important events in the Venetian calendar, will take place between Friday, 19, and Sunday, 21, 2024, in Venice.

The feast is also known as the Most Famous Feast (Festa Famosissima).

FESTA DEL REDENTORE 2024 – THE DATES

Festa del Redentore 2024 – The Votive Bridge

Since 1577, when the city of Venice was liberated from a terrible plague, the Feast of the Redeemer is celebrated every year in the third weekend of July.

In 2024, the third weekend of July will fall between 19 and 21 of July.

FEAST OF THE REDEEMER 2024 – THE LOCATION

On the occasion of the Feast of the Redeemer 2024, a votive bridge will be built between Fondamenta delle Zattere, in front of the Church of Spirito Santo, and the Giudecca island, in front of the Church of the Redeemer.

During the event, thousands of people will cross the bridge on pilgrimage to the beautiful church of Andrea Palladio.

Saturday evening, an impressive fireworks display will take place in the Saint Mark’s Basin.

FESTA DEL REDENTORE – SHORT HISTORY

Between 1575 and 1577, a merciless plague killed about one-third of Venice’s population.

The epidemic spread rapidly throughout the city and was difficult to control due to the precarious conditions in which the people lived.

Feast of the Redeemer 2024 – The Fireworks Display

One of the victims of the epidemic was the painter Titian (Tiziano Vecellio). He died on August 27, 1576, and was interred in the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

The Doge Alvise I Mocenigo promised to build a grandiose church if the plague ended.

On September 4, 1576, the Venetian Senate ordered the construction of a church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer (Il Redentore) on the Giudecca island.

A year later, in July, the city was declared cured, and the Venetians initiated a new celebration called Festa del Redentore.

After the beautiful Church of Il Redentore was completed in 1592, on a project by the famous architect Andrea Palladio, the Venetians started to build the votive bridge on the occasion of the feast.

At first, Festa del Redentore was a purely religious feast, but over the centuries profane elements were added to the religious manifestations.

Today, the celebration includes a party, a regatta, and one of the most impressive fireworks display in the world.

FESTA DEL REDENTORE 2024 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS

On the first day of Festa del Redentore 2024, a great party will be held, completed in the evening by a spectacular fireworks display.

The second day of the feast, Sunday, is reserved for religious service and for the Regatta of the Redeemer (Regata del Redentore), a race of typical Venetian boats.

July 20, Saturday:

• 7.00 pm, the opening of the Thanksgiving Bridge;
• 11.30 pm, fireworks display in the Saint Mark’s Basin.

 
July 21, Sunday:

• between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm, the Regatta of the Redeemer, on the Giudecca Canal;
• 7.00 pm – the Votive Mass will be held in the Church of Il Redentore, on the Giudecca island.