The Best Annual Events in Venice: A Guide for Travellers
Throughout the year, Venice comes alive with extraordinary annual events that blend tradition, art, and celebration. Here’s a guide to the best annual events in Venice, guaranteed to enrich your visit.
1. The Festa del Redentore
When: Third weekend of July
Why It’s Special: This deeply rooted Venetian tradition celebrates gratitude for the end of the 1576 plague. The Festa del Redentore combines religious devotion with vibrant festivities. On Saturday evening, the highlight is the breathtaking 40 min fireworks display over the St. Mark’s Basin, reflecting against the water and lighting up the city’s historic skyline.
What to Do:
- Join locals for a boat party in the lagoon, adorned with lights and music.
- Cross the votive bridge, a temporary structure linking the Giudecca island to the city, and visit the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redentore).
- Savour traditional Venetian dishes as part of the celebration.
2. Venice Carnival
When: Two weeks before Lent (usually February)
Why It’s Special: Carnival is Venice at its most theatrical, transforming the city into a grand stage of masks, costumes, and revelry. This event harks back to the 11th century and has become synonymous with Venetian opulence and mystique.
What to Do:
- Attend masquerade balls in historical palaces.
- Stroll through St. Mark’s Square to marvel at elaborate costumes and masks.
- Participate in the “Flight of the Ange” in San Marco Square. A spectacular event where a performer glides across the piazza from the Campanile.
3. La Biennale di Venezia
When: Odd years for Art Biennale, even years for Architecture Biennale (May–November).
Why It’s Special: As one of the world’s most prestigious cultural exhibitions, the Biennale is a must for art and architecture enthusiasts. It showcases cutting-edge creativity through installations, performances, and exhibitions scattered across the city.
What to Do:
- Visit the Arsenale and Giardini, home to the main Biennale pavilions.
- Explore collateral events and parties in palaces, churches, and galleries across Venice.
- Dive into thought-provoking contemporary art and architecture that redefines boundaries.
4. Venice Film Festival
When: Late August to early September
Why It’s Special: The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world, bringing global stars and cinema enthusiasts to the Lido island. This glamorous event combines artistic excellence with a touch of Hollywood.
What to Do:
- Attend screenings of the year’s most anticipated films.
- Spot celebrities on the red carpet.
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere on the Lido, where the city meets the Adriatic Sea.
Plan Your Trip Around These Events
Whether you’re drawn to traditional Venetian celebrations or cutting-edge cultural showcases, the best annual events in Venice offer unforgettable experiences. Be sure to plan ahead—accommodation and event tickets can sell out quickly during these peak times.
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