Festivals-Regattas-Events

Venice – Calendar of Events 2024

Venice – Calendar of Events 2024. With its plethora of festivals, exhibitions and public holidays, the historic city never ceases to amaze.  Many are based on centuries old traditions, that still live on today.

For the forthcoming year, this useful post gathers together all of the Venice’s main events for 2024; along with links to the main tourist websites and my own relevant blog posts.

  • Venice 2024 –  Events.
  • Public Holidays in Venice
  • La Biennale di Venezia.
  • Artsupp – “The most complete museum and exhibition portal in Italy”
  • Links (external-internal).

 

 

Venice 2024 –  Events. 

Here are the main events planned in Venice for 2024, based on the latest information available as of December 2023. Please check regularly with the main Venice tourist organisation’s websites, found in the links section at bottom of the page.  The exact dates of a few events are yet to be announced.
JANUARY

Brusa la Vecia or Piroea Paroea, are the names of the celebrations on the eve of the Epiphany, which consist of lighting bonfires in many Venetian centres, as well as in the lagoon, as a sign of good luck. The bonfire is apparently read by a “vate” (or bard), who will give a prediction based on the direction of the sparks emanating from the hearth!

Befane Regatta (6 January). Epiphany, also known as the “Three Kings Day” in Eastern Christian tradition, is a Christian feast day commemorating the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana. it is a traditional boat race on the Grand Canal, where the participants dress up as old witches.  Starts at 11:00 from Rialto Bridge.

FEBRUARY

Venice Carnival (Sat 3 – Tues 3 February). The most famous and spectacular event in Venice, where people wear masks and costumes and enjoy music, shows, and parties. The theme is To the Orient “Marco Polo’s Amazing Journey”.  On the 700th anniversary of his death, on January 8, 1324, Marco Polo is back to his Venice lagoon; as a protagonist of the Venetian carnival tradition!

Venice Carnival always finishes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday which is the last allowed day when one can indulge in gluttony, excess and debauchery, before the 40 days of Lent will begin! The final weekend of Venice Carnival is said to be the best time to attend. So, from Fat Thursday (Giovedì Grasso) until Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso), is when the best events occur. It is also the busiest time to be in Venice for Carnival.

There are some pre-carnival events in Venice, taking place the week before the official carnival dates. Starting on Saturday 27 January 2024, you can enjoy throughout the day; music, circus theater, acrobatics and clowns in various squares of the city, such as S. Margherita, S.Giacomo, S.Geremia, S.Cassiano, Gesuiti, S.M.Formosa, Sant’Elena and Burano Galuppi.  You can also watch a street theater show in St. Stefano Square, with different performances throughout the day. Also, there is a Night festival on the water: a procession of boats along the Grand Canal of Venice, starting at 20:00 from Venice Railway Station and arriving at Dogana da Mar at 21:00.

On Sunday 28 January 2024, you can witness the Venetians Boat Carnival, a parade of typical Venetian boats along the Grand Canal, starting from Dogana da Mar at 11:00 and ending at Campo de l’Erbaria Square at Rialto at 11:30. There, you can join the Venetian festival, with music, food and drinks. You can also see the Explosion of the “Pantegana”, a traditional firework display, in front of the Rialto Bridge at 11:20

MARCH

A quieter month – perhaps the Venetians need a break to recover from celebrating the Carnival!  You might still experience some of the festive atmosphere in early March, You may catch some previews and special events in March, to the upcoming start to the Biennale season; starting on the 20th April, with the Art Festival. There are a number of concerts at various venues.

APRIL

Su e zo per i ponti. (On and off the bridges) is held every spring and consists of a walk to Solidarity. Young people, families, tourists and Venetians go around the alleys and bridges of the Lagoon united by the value of aggregation and solidarity.

The Feast of St. Mark. in Venice is one of the most important events in the city: it is an ancient tradition linked to the historical transport of the remains of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, to the Serenissima. Today the festival is a jubilation of events, parades, concerts and even prizes awarded to those who value the values and traditions of Venice in Italy and around the world.

The Feast of Bocolo. This is a tradition linked to the feast of St. Mark and consists of the custom of giving a rosebud to your loved one on St. Mark’s Day.

Venice Biennale of Art (20 April – 24 November). The 60th edition of the prestigious international exhibition of contemporary art, with the theme “How will we live together?” The 2024 calendar of events will take place in Venice, at Giardini, Arsenale, Lido, and in other venues in the city and the mainland.

The dates of the Exhibitions and Festivals that will take place in 2024 are:

International Kids’ Carnival: 1 > 11 February

60th International Art Exhibition: 20 April > 24 November

52nd International Theatre Festival: 15 > 30 June

18th International Festival of Contemporary Dance: 18 July > 3 August

81st Venice International Film Festival: 28 August > 7 September

68th International Festival of Contemporary Music: 26 September > 10 October

MAY

Violet Artichoke Festival (usually on the second Sunday of May, but dates TBA).This is a festival dedicated to the violet artichoke; a typical speciality of the island of Sant’Erasmo in the Venetian lagoon, known as the “Garden of Venice” and a nature lover’s paradise. It features artichoke tastings, cooking shows, music and entertainment.

Sensa Celebration (May 12). This is a celebration of the marriage between Venice and the Sea, which dates back to about 1000 A.D. It consists of a procession of traditional rowing boats and a symbolic ceremony of throwing a ring into the water. The Sensa Celebration is held every year on the Feast of the Ascension, which is 40 days after Easter. In 2024, the Sensa Celebration will be on .

Vogalonga (19 May). A non-competitive rowing event that attracts thousands of participants from all over the world, who paddle along a 30 km route through the lagoon and the canals. The Vogalonga is held every year in May, usually on the Sunday after the Ascension Day. The festival is marked, every year, by several competitions of Venetian rowing and is accompanied by the twinning with other seaside towns, the so-called Adriatic Twinning.

JUNE

Italian Republic Day.(2 June). The “Festa della Repubblica”, which commemorates the day in 1946, when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and become a republic. In Venice, as in other cities, there are usually some official ceremonies, such as the raising of the Italian flag and the singing of the national anthem. There may also be some cultural events, such as concerts, exhibitions, or performances, organised by local institutions or associations.

Feast of Christ the King. (End of May or beginning of June). It coincides with the traditional patronal feast, which is held at the church of Christ the King, in the square in front of it, accompanied by other events such as the solidarity market and then concerts, dances, an exhibition and the inevitable preparation of traditional dishes.  However, this is not the same as the universal Catholic feast, which is observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, usually in late November. The Venetian feast coincides with the traditional patronal feast of the church of Christ the King, which has its own local history and customs. Therefore, there are two different celebrations of Christ the King in Venice, one in June and one in November.  Confusing.

Feast of St. Anthony (June 13). The Feast is celebrated in Venice on June 13, the day of his death. It is held at the church of Sant’Antonio di Padova, also known as San Trovaso, in the Dorsoduro district. The feast consists of a solemn mass, a procession of the saint’s relics, and a blessing of the bread, which is distributed to the faithful. It is also an occasion to honour the tradition of the gondoliers, who have a special devotion to St. Anthony. They decorate their boats with flowers and flags, and row along the Grand Canal to the church, where they receive a blessing from the priest.

Feast of St. John in Bragora. An event that offers for several days, starting at 17:00, entertainment shows among the most varied: games and puppet shows for children, comedy shows, concerts of classical music with local orchestras, literary meetings, Greek and Bengali dances, all to commemorate the summer solstice and, above all, St. John the Baptist, with a mass held in the Church of Bragora on the morning of June 24. A traditional event that celebrates the summer solstice and St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the church of San Giovanni in Bragora. It is held every year in late June, usually around the 24th, which is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. The event offers various entertainment shows, such as puppet and comedy shows, concerts, dances and literary meetings, starting from 5 pm in the square in front of the church. There is also a solemn mass in the church on the morning of June 24. The church of San Giovanni in Bragora is located in the Castello district of Venice, near the Arsenale. It is a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with artworks by Cima da Conegliano and Alvise Vivarini. It is also the place where Antonio Vivaldi was baptized in 1678.

The Feast of San Pietro de Castéo (late June, usually around the 29th). It is a traditional festival that celebrates the saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the church. It was the cathedral of Venice from 1451 to 1807, before St Mark’s Basilica became the official cathedral.The festival offers various entertainment shows, such as puppet shows, comedy shows, concerts, dances, and literary meetings, starting from 5 pm in the square in front of the church. There is also a solemn mass in the church on the morning of June 29th. The church of San Pietro di Castello is located on a small island, off the north-eastern end of Venice. It is a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with artworks by Cima da Conegliano and Alvise Vivarini.

The Feast of San Pietro in Volta (late June, usually around the 29th). A traditional festival that celebrates St. Peter, the patron saint of the town of San Pietro in Volta, located on the island of Pellestrina in the Venetian Lagoon. St Peter and St Paul, were the founders of the Christian church. The festival offers various entertainment shows, such as puppet shows, comedy shows, concerts, dances, and literary meetings, starting from 5 pm in the square in front of the church of San Pietro in Volta. There is also a solemn mass in the church on the morning of June 29, followed by a procession of the saint’s statue and a blessing of the boats. St. Peter, is considered the protector of fishermen and sailors.

JULY

Redentore  (Redeemer) Feast and Fireworks Celebration (20 July). A religious and popular festival that celebrates the end of a plague outbreak in 1576; with a pontoon bridge, a huge fireworks display, attracting thousands of visitors and a boat race. On Friday 19th July , is the opening of the Redentore Bridge, connecting the Zattere to the Church of the Redentore on the island of Giudecca. The fireworks for the Feast of the Redeemer 2024 will be fired on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:30 p.m.. The celebrations will run until Sunday, July 21, with the gondola regatta along the Giudecca Canal.

AUGUST

Venice International Film Festival (28 August – 7 September). The oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, where the best movies and directors compete for the Golden Lion award.

SEPTEMBER

Regata Storica (4 September). A historical boat race that dates back to the 13th century, with four categories of rowing boats, each with different colours and decorations.

OCTOBER

The Feast of the Wort of Saint Erasmus (on the first Sunday of October,but date TBA). It is a traditional festival that celebrates the harvest of grapes and other fruits on the island of Sant’Erasmo, which is also known as the “Garden of Venice” The festival features a blessing of the agricultural wagons, a parade, a regatta and a tasting of the must (freshly pressed grape juice) and other local delicacies. A fun and authentic way to experience the rural and historical side of Venice.

NOVEMBER

Festa della Madonna della Salute (21 November). A religious festival that marks the end of a plague epidemic in 1630, with a temporary bridge, candles, and prayers.

DECEMBER

>> Feast of St. Nicholas in Murano (December 6). On, the island of Murano celebrates the Feast of St. Nicholas, the Venetian version of Nicholas, patron saint of glassmakers and sailors. On this day it is customary to exchange gifts, in memory of the legend according to which the saint gave a bag with gold coins to three poor girls, allowing them to have the dowry needed to get married. The festival is marked by religious celebrations and markets of glass objects made by the island’s master glassmakers.

> New Year’s Eve (31 December). A festive occasion that welcomes the new year with music, fireworks, and a collective kiss at midnight in St. Mark’s Square.

 

Public Holidays in Venice

It is always a good idea to look up the public holidays and observances of the city you’re visiting, so as not to miss out on any of the important festivities. It’ll also give you an idea of when the museums and other main attractions are closed.

• New Year’s Day: 1st January.
• Epiphany: 6th January. On the 6 January, the witch Befana brings gifts and sweets to the good children and coal to the bad.
• Venice Carnival: One of the most important carnival celebrations in the world. Every year it takes place mid-February.
• Maundy Thursday: (date varies).
• Easter Monday: First Monday after Easter.
• Liberation Day and St Mark’s Day: In Venice, St Mark is the patron saint of the city, so a festival is held in his honour and the Italians also celebrate the end of the Nazi occupation.
• Labour Day: 1st May.
• Republic Day: 2nd June.
• Festa del Redentore: Third Sunday of July. The feast commemorates the end of the terrible plague in Venice of 1576. The church Il Redantore was built on the island of Giudecca to celebrate the end of the epidemic.
• Ferragosto: 15th August. Celebrates the harvest and the end of a long period of agricultural labour.
• Historical Regatta (Regata Storica): First weekend in September. In 1489, Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, resigned from the throne in favour of Venice. Every year, various sixteenth century-style boats parade and race down the Grand Canal. All the gondoliers on the boats dress up in period costume.
• All Saints’ Day: 1st November.
• The Feast of Our Lady of Health: 21st November. This is a religious festival in the city of Venice. The citizens cross the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco to the Church Santa Maria della Salute on a floating bridge.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception: 8th December.
• Christmas Day: 25th December.
•  St. Stephen’s Day (Giorno di Santo Stefano): 26th December.

 

La Biennale di Venezia. Venice – Calendar of Events 2024 

La Biennale di Venezia is pleased to announce the dates of the Exhibitions and Festivals that will take place in 2024:

  • International Kids’ Carnival: 1 > 11 February
  • 60th International Art Exhibition: 20 April > 24 November
  • 52nd International Theatre Festival: 15 > 30 June
  • 18th International Festival of Contemporary Dance: 18 July > 3 August
  • 81st Venice International Film Festival: 28 August > 7 September
  • 68th International Festival of Contemporary Music: 26 September > 10 October

 

Artsupp – “The most complete museum and exhibition portal in Italy”

Venice offers a truly unmissable cultural program, ranging from exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, to sculpture, design, craftsmanship and photography.

The Artsupp card, let’s you visit many cultural places throughout Europe at advantageous prices. Euro 9.99 per year.

• Visit Museums at advantageous prices
• Receive discounts for exhibitions and events
• Take advantage of advantageous discounts on bookshops and guided tours

 

LINKS (external–internal)

Don’t forget the Art and Architecture Biennale festivals are on alternating years – 2024 Art, 2025 Architecture. The main tourist websites, where you can check and get up to date information about these events are:

 

Here are my own updated comprehensive posts on all the major events. From previous recent years, they will give you the history and a great understanding about the whole event.  Use the links provided in my posts – or – go into one of the main tourist websites linked above to get the event details for 2024. 

 

Venice – Calendar of Events 2024    Venice – Calendar of Events 2024    Venice – Calendar of Events 2024

Venice – Calendar of Events 2024    Venice – Calendar of Events 2024    Venice – Calendar of Events 2024

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