REDEEMER'S FEASTS
Redeemer's Feasts – Fireworks, Faith and Celebration Under the Stars of Venice
Every year, on the third Saturday of July, Venice lights up with light and emotion with the Redeemer’s Feast: a celebration that mixes spirituality, popular tradition and fireworks, much loved by Venetians.
Born in 1577 as a vow for the liberation of the city from a devastating plague epidemic, the festival has become over time an unmissable event in the Venetian summer.
A votive bridge, a church, a city that gathers
The spiritual heart of the festival is the Basilica del Redentore, a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio on the island of Giudecca. For the occasion, a temporary floating bridge is built that connects the Zattere to the Giudecca, allowing thousands of faithful and visitors to walk to the church for the traditional Saturday evening mass.
The procession to the basilica is a moment of collective recollection, which still retains great symbolic value today.
The Night of Fires: Venice Reflects Itsself in Wonder
At sunset, the atmosphere changes: the banks fill up with families and groups of friends dining outdoors on boats, piers, and foundations, waiting for the most anticipated show of the year.
At 11:30 PM sharp, the sky above St. Mark’s Basin explodes with spectacular fireworks, reflected on the water and the facades of the buildings, in a play of lights that thrills anyone who experiences it, year after year.
The best spots to admire the fireworks:
- Zattere
- Riva degli Schiavoni
- Punta della Dogana
- Tho boats in bacino (reservation recommended)
Sunday: Procession and Tradition
The next morning, the celebration continues with the solemn votive mass in the Basilica del Redentore, presided over by the Patriarch of Venice, and the traditional Venetian rowing regattas along the Giudecca Canal. A perfect mix of devotion, tradition and Venetian pride, uniting generations.
Experience the magic of the Redentore with Venice Heaven Apartments
Choosing Venice Heaven Apartments for the Redeemer’s Feast means:
- Stay in central, yet quiet and convenient locations to reach Zattere, San Marco and Giudecca
- Being able to move around on foot or by public transport without stress
- Enjoy the night of fireworks and then return to a welcoming, refined and air-conditioned environment
Many of our guests choose to experience the Redentore like the Venetians: booking a boat, dining on the fondamenta or simply walking at sunset among lights and floating candles.
Practical tips to enjoy the party
- The fireworks start around 11:30 p.m., but the city starts celebrating already in the late afternoon.
- Bring a picnic lunch, or book ahead if you want to dine with a view (limited seating!)
- Book a boat or tour in advance to experience the party on the water
- Pass over the votive bridge between Saturday afternoon and Sunday
- Don’t forget a blanket, water and mosquito repellent!