TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS OF VENICE

Venice celebrates various traditional festivals and a lot of events throughout the year. These celebrations represent some historical moments of Venice.

The biggest event in the Venetian calendar is the festival of Carnival that last for about 2 weeks. The Carnival in Venice is celebrated as the victory of the Repubblica Della Serenissima (the name of ancient Venetian state), the war against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia. In this occasion various performances of music, theatre, and acrobats are given. For these the location like Saint Mark’s square, the theatres and the famous Venetian ‘campi’, the island of lido are famous. Previously, on the opening of the Carnival the FLIGHT OF THE ANGEL was famous in which a tightrope walker reached the seat of the Doge from Saint Mark’s Bell Tower. But now this ceremony has been cancelled for the safety reason. The Children Carnival also take place in which clowns and street artists perform their shows such as glove puppet show and magic tricks in a circus tent also held. The photography, photo and many more exhibitions are also organized in this festival.

The Festa Della Sensa famous as ‘Wedding with the Sea’ held in the month of May. It is the great occasion for the Venetians as it does not have only a religious significance but also memorize them of a great victory of fleet of Serenissima laid by Doge Pietro Orseola II over the eternal enemy ‘Slavs’, in the favor of Dalmatian city. After this victory the region of Dalmatian came under ‘Venetian maritime jurisdiction’. Every year this day is celebrated as ‘Ascension day’, when the Doge himself return to the Lido, accompanied by the Bishop of Olivolo (present day Castle), to bless the sea water and to prey to pour their kindness on the sailors. On this day the Doge reach the stone lighthouse and then turn toward the open sea. Here he brushes the holy ring with olive branches and sprinkle the holy water on it and through the ring into the sea by uttering some holy words. This celebration means 2 weeks of festivities. Large ships are kept to celebrate the ceremony.

In the month of July Festa Del Redentore is celebrated. It is one of the most popular and lovable festivals of the Venetian. This is a religious festival that explores the tradition of Venice of having dinner on boats in St.Mark’s basin, watching at the fireworks on the lagoon. It is the festival of sound and light that displays a great firework. A large number of boats are decorated with balloons in the Giudecca Canal and in St.Mark’s Basin, on Saturday evening. The boats spread out along the city’s canal and then playing & singing, gather at dawn at Lido to wait the Sunrise. To have a look of this festival a large crowd gathers at the bank and palace balconies that are brightly lit and to watch the firework on the lagoon. Thus enjoy the festival whole-heartedly.
The Regatta Storica takes place on first Sunday of September. It is a typical Venetian celebration in which rowing race along the Canal Grande takes place. These are the most popular rowing races in Venice for which expert oarsmen are required. In these races historical boats having the crews in historical and tradition costumes participate. For the races various categories have been installed for women and very young rowers. Among these mix regatta is the famous one in which one woman and one-man race on the same boat. These races have different routes according to their categories. Most attractive sight is the passion of their fans. In the month of November art exhibition –La Biennale Di Venezia held. Venice International Film Festival takes place in the month of August or September on the Lido of Venice Island.

Festa Della Madonna Della Salute is a religious celebration held on 21st November every year; it dates back to the plague, which raged in Venice as a result of the war against Austria in 1630. When the plague was over, the work of construction of temple began in November 1631 to fulfill the vow. This temple is dedicated to the Lady of Good Health, Madonna Della Salute. On this day Venetians go to seek pardon in front of the Madonna, along with candles to show their gratitude.
Thus Venice celebrate and enjoy a lost of festivals which make their life colorful and also attracts other people to the town.