Belle Views from Venice: July's Feast of the Redeemer

On the third weekend of July 2009, I not only felt incredibly lucky to be visiting Venice with my family, I felt lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

We had chosen to travel to this unique city on water on the weekend of The Feast of the Redeemer (Festa del redentore), a huge party originally began as a celebration that Venice was free from the plague. Nowadays, this is just an excuse for a good time.

Late in the afternoon, the lagoon starts to fill with Venetians on board any boat they can get their hands on. Every craft is packed with revellers, all clutching food and drink. The competing music from the boats’ stereos brings the lagoon alive and the party begins, culminating in a midnight fireworks display so extravagant (and no doubt expensive), that the smoky scent of pyrotechnics still hangs in the air the next day.

The morning after the festivities, the lagoon is quiet once more. For 24 hours only, everyone has the chance to walk across to the island of Giudecca, just opposite Piazza San Marco, over a temporary bridge constructed each year for the festival. Standing on the other side of the lagoon contemplating the serene beauty of Venice, we were all incredibly glad to have had the chance to share in the celebrations.

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