On Saturday July 20th Venice celebrated the “Notte Famosissima” (the most famous night). The Festa del Redentore is an historical venetian tradition that combines religion, culture and a fireworks show, that this year was entirely dedicated to the venetian traveller Marco Polo, as we honor the 700th anniversary from its death.
The show was designed by the Parente Fireworks Company, and evoked the long journey of Marco Polo, as well as the different stages and countries that he explored. The fireworks were characterized by several colours, such as red, recalling the spices he brought back from the far East, gold, the colour representing the city, blue recalling the Mediterranean Sea and green as the Asian hills discovered throughout the journey.
From 11.30 pm the fireworks show lighted up the sky of Venice for forty minutes and told the story of the legendary venetian travellers that inspired generations of people with its adventures.
Venetians are deeply attached to the Festa del Redentore, that every year is promoted by the Municipality of Venice in partnership with Vela spa.
Celebrations began on Friday 19th with the traditional opening of the votive bridge. A temporary floating waterway 334 meters long connecting two shores: Fondamenta delle Zattere and the Basilica del Cristo Redentore. On this edition fireworks shows also took place in the venetian mainland, such as: Asseggiano and Malcontenta, as well as on the island of Pellestrina. Music and fun also on the Island of Murano, in Marghera and Gazzera.
In order to respect safety measures, as for previous editions of the festival, people who attended the show had to book in advance their place, either on shores or water. Priority was given to venetian citizens.
On Sunday 21st along the Giudecca Canal, the traditional Redentore Regattas took place. At 4pm the “giovanissimi” (youngest rowers to compete) regatta on board of the “pupparini” (venetian traditional boat); at 4.45pm the regatta on board of the “pupparini” and at 5.30pm the regattas on gondolas. Celebrations ended at 7pm with Holy Mass at the Redentore Church.
Info and details here: www.redentorevenezia.it.
