At the mention of this city, gondolas sailing along the canals, the quiet splash of the water, narrow medieval streets and, of course, the carnival usually come to mind. The most important holiday in Venice is the dream of any traveler and all fans of medieval traditions, arts and costumes strive to visit Italy at this time.
Let's take a look at the calendar
Any holiday in Venice is colorful and exciting, because the squares, bridges and canals themselves serve as natural historical decorations, and numerous tourists are spectators:
- Before Lent, the annual Venice Carnival begins, dating back to the 11th century.
- At the beginning of spring, a race starts in Piazza San Marco, whose name in translation from Italian sounds like "Up and Down the Bridges". The routes are designed for several age groups, and anyone can take part in the race.
- The Christian feast of the Ascension of the Lord is called Fiesta della Sensa in Venice and falls in May.
- The Venice Biennale World Art Exhibition is held twice every odd year in June and October.
- August and September are the time when the International Film Festival is held in the city, the main prize of which is the Golden Lion.
- The Venice Marathon has been held since 1986 in October, and its participants during the race follow, among other things, the bridge della Liberta, which connects the mainland with the Rialto Island.
From the pages of the history textbook
Many holidays in Venice seem to have left the pages of historical books, because the traditions of their holding originate in the distant medieval past. For example, Madonna della Salute Day is celebrated annually on November 21. In honor of the Holy Virgin Mary, who saved the city from the plague, at the beginning of the 17th century, a church was erected at the southern entrance to the Grand Canal. During the holiday, a pontoon bridge is built from Piazza San Marco to this temple, along which the townspeople march to a solemn mass. The restaurants serve a special jerky dish on this day.
The history of the festival Regata Storica, which took place for the first time in the 13th century, is rich in history. On the first Sunday in September, Venetian boats line up for the parade in the Grand Canal, and the regatta participants wear historical costumes
the era of Queen Caterina Cornaro. The main prize for the winner of the sports race is the red banner, and the participant who finished fourth will also receive a glass pig, made by craftsmen from the island of Murano.
In honor of a happy salvation
In addition to the big February carnival, residents of the city arrange a summer carnival, which is called Festa del Redentore. This Venice holiday is dedicated to the end of the plague epidemic that literally decimated its inhabitants in the middle of the 16th century. On the third Saturday of July, the Church in honor of the Savior on the island of Giudecca becomes the main arena for a solemn event, including a solemn mass, and gondolas decorated with garlands of flowers move along the surrounding canals.
