FESTA DEL REDENTORE
(third Sunday in July)
The program of events 2002
 This
"firework night" is probably one of the celebrations that
the Venetians really feel is "theirs".
It began as a vow on behalf of the city - under Doge Alvise Mocenigo
in 1576 to express their thanks for the city's deliverance from
the plague: the city promised to build a church dedicated to the
Redentore (the Redeemer)..
The church -designed by Andrea Palladio-
is on the Giudecca and every third Sunday in July, the Venetians
visit it to pay their thanks.
A bridge of boats stretches the Canale della Giudecca especially
for this day.But the most famous part of the celebrations is the
evening before - hundreds of boats gather in the lagoon, along the
banks of the Giudecca, the Zattere, from Riva degli Schiavoni to
S.Elena to wait for the fireworks - obviously well-equipped with
typical Venetian dishes.
The fireworks generally last around 45 to 60 minutes and every year
both Venetians and tourists are overcome by the beauty.
A night that should not be missed.
translated by C.Cawthra
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