The Festa del Redentore
The Festa del Redentore. A traditional and visually stunning festival in Venice; celebrating deliverance from a 16th C plague and the construction of Palladio’s Church. For 2025, the event will take place on Saturday, July 19th, and Sunday, July 20th.
This centuries-old celebration is a poignant blend of religious devotion, historic remembrance, and vibrant festivity, encapsulating the spirit of the Venetians
Taking place during the weekend of the third Sunday of July, the “Festival of the Redeemer”; combines religious events, the construction of a pontoon bridge, a huge firework display, a regatta and mass celebratory parties for families and friends.
The Church can be reached by pilgrims during the festival, by means of an impressive 330-metre-long pontoon bridge; connecting the Zattere on the southern side of the district of Dorsoduro, with Guidecca island.
History
Program
A Celebratory Poem
Links (internal–external)
The Festa del Redentore – History
The “Festa del Redentore” began as a feast, held on the day of the Feast of the Most Holy Redeemer; to give thanks for the end of the terrible plague of between 1575 and 1577, which killed around 50,000 people. 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, made a promise to God to build a magnificent church, if the plague could be ended. He kept his vow – on September 4, 1576, the Venetian Senate ordered the construction of the church on the Giudecca island. and Andrea Palladio was commissioned. The new church was built on the place of a former church, dedicated to “Santa Maria degli Angeli”; which was given to the Capuchins. The Capuchin monks, owe their name to the pointed cowl (capuche in Italian) they wore.
Above: Two views and Floor Plan of “Il Redentore”
Unfortunately, Palladio died in 1580 and the works continued under the supervision of Antonio da Ponte, the architect of the Rialto bridge. In 1592, the church was completed and consecrated by Lorenzo Priuli, Patriarch of Venice; under Doge Pasquale Cicogna.
The Doges, thereafter, made an annual pilgrimage to the church.
The Redentore church is one of Palladio’s finest churches. The facade can be best admired from the Zatteri embankment, opposite.
Externally its wide staircase and huge doorway are especially designed for processions. The interior (above) is very sober, in line with the vows of poverty of the Capuchin monks.
(Note: Interestingly the “Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute” was built for a similar reason. This church remembers the third and last major Venetian plague of 1630, in Venice.)
The Program
July 19th, Saturday.
- 7.00 pm, the opening of the Thanksgiving Bridge. 11.30 pm, fireworks display in the Saint Mark’s Basin.
The Festa del Redentore celebrations commence on Saturday, with thousands of pilgrims crossing the votive bridge, fulfilling a tradition that symbolizes gratitude and penance. On Saturday evening, Venetians and tourists alike gather on boats of all sizes, often elaborately decorated for the occasion. Families and friends share traditional meals, including Venetian specialties such as sardines in saor, bigoli in salsa, and an array of seafood dishes.
The highlight of the feast is the fireworks display. For over an hour, the sky is illuminated with dazzling colors and intricate patterns, reflected in the water below. This pyrotechnic spectacle is one of the most impressive in Italy, drawing thousands of spectators who marvel at the show from boats, waterfronts, and rooftops. The fireworks are not just a visual delight, but also a symbol of celebration and renewal, marking the end of a dark chapter in the city’s history.
July 20th, 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.
The second day of the Festa del Redentore, Sunday, is reserved for religious services and the Regatta of the Redeemer (Regata del Redentore), a race of traditional Venetian boats. These boat races, held on the Giudecca Canal, feature both professional rowers and amateurs competing in various categories. The regattas showcase the skill and heritage of Venetian rowing, a tradition that dates back centuries.
A Celebratory Poem
Beneath the moon’s soft, silvery light,
Venice whispers tales of delight.
The Festa del Redentore shines so bright,
In the heart of July, a magical sight.
Gondolas drift on waters serene,
Candles flicker, casting a gleam.
Joyous laughter, a festive scene.
In Venice, the dreamer’s ultimate dream.
Bridges adorned in festive hues,
Reflecting in the Grand Canal’s blues.
Fireworks dance in celestial cues,
A spectacle that forever imbues.
People gather, hearts intertwined,
History and tradition combined.
In this celebration, love is defined,
The beauty of Venice in every mind.
Blessings whispered in reverent prayer,
The church of Redentore stands there.
A promise kept, a city’s care,
In the warm summer’s gentle air.
Links (internal – external)
The Feast of the Redeemer 2025 | Events – Venezia Unica
Festa del Redentore 2025 – Venice, Veneto | ITALYscapes
Festa del Redentore – Venezia 2018 – video ufficiale (youtube.com)
Venice – Calendar of Events 2025.
“Venice – Calendar of Events 2024”
“Venice – Calendar of Events 2025”
“The Regatta Storica of Venice”
“The Venice Architecture Biennale”
The Festa del Redentore