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 Held in San Marco |
Piazza San Marco Venice Italy |
Holy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, is celebrated here in full spirit. In the Basilica di San Marco, just after sunset, a torch is lit in the atrium and carried in a procession to the Basilica. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Men as witches race canals |
Ponte di Rialto Venice, Venice 30100 Italy |
This celebration has a bit of folklore, a little bit of religious tradition and, quite frankly, some cross dressing, but all in good fun. The annual Regatta of Epiphany Witches usually takes place on the day of the Epiphany, January 6. All of Italy celebrates this 12th day of Christmas, but Venice is unique with its kitschy take on historic tradition. Witched-up men race their boats across Canal Grande until reaching the giant stocking hanging from Rialto Bridge. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: D'Arcy Vallance  |
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Feast on Island of Pellestrina |
Via Pellestrina Venice, Venice 30010 Italy +041 96 76 66 |
This local festival, usually taking place at the end of June, is a typical fair in honour of the patron saint. The festival is held in the picturesque village between the sea and the lagoon on the island of Pellestrina. The annual event is full of activities for the young: theatre, exhibitions, water games, soaped football and dancing are only a few of the activities on the programme. The last day starts with mass at 10 in the evening and after a long day full of ludic games and solemn processions, the festival ends with fireworks at midnight. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Roses for the beloved female |
Piazza San Marco Venice 30124 Italy +39 41 529 8734 |
In the old days, April 25th, St. Mark's Day in Venice,was celebrated by a popular procession in the Piazza in which not only religious, but also civil authorities would participate. Today, St. Mark's Day is still celebrated but in a different way. There is a procession in the Basilica and following a widespread tradition, Venetian men give their beloved a red rosebud, a 'boccolo'. Hence, this day is also called the Festa del Boccolo. The procession is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Big festival on the lagoon |
4192 Riva degli Schiavoni (Canale della Giudecca) Venice Italy |
This is Venice's most important festival. It takes place in mid July and commemorates the end of the 16th-century plague. The Redentore church in the Giudecca was also built to celebrate this event. The Genio Pontieri Company builds a bridge of boats across the Giudecca canal so that people can reach the island on foot. During the night Venetians picnic on roast duck, watermelon, wine, and various sweets and wait for midnight when the fireworks display takes place. Watching the sunrise from the beach is a romantic finale. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Federico Dollfus © |
 Photo: Richard Chinnis |
 Photo: Donald G. Jean |
 Photo: Rob Vitolo |
 Photo: Rob Vitolo |
 Photo: Federico Dollfus © |
 Photo: Donald G. Jean |
 Photo: Nicola Grandesso |
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Historical and religious festival |
Grand Canal Venice, Veneto 30100 Italy |
Sensa is the name that the Venetians give to the Ascension, celebrated each year on the sixth Sunday after Easter. The Ascension is a historical event for the city of Venice, recalling the Sposalizio del Mare, when a dog went out onto the Bucintoro and threw a wedding ring into the sea. In keeping with the tradition, local authorities go out on a rowing boat and throw a ring into the sea. The Sensa festival also has meteorological significance: according to popular belief, if it rains on the day of Sensa, it will not stop for 40 days. Make sure you bring an umbrella! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Piggei |
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A holy walk and stalls |
Piazza San Marco (Basilica Santa Maria della Salute) Venice 30100 Italy |
This festival takes place on November 21st of every year in remembrance of the end of the bubonic plague, which destroyed Venice at the beginning of the 17th century (1630-1631). The Chiesa della Salute was built to celebrate the end of the epidemic. The procession passes under the bridge between the Chiesa della Salute and the Chiesa di Santa Mariadel Giglio, and ends at the Salute. Near the Salute, market stalls sell a variety of goods. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Highlight religious festival |
Santa Maria della Salute Basilica Santa Maria della Salute Venice 11370 Italy +39 41 522 5558 |
When the plague ended in 1630, the city senate built the famous Basilica Santa Maria della Salute church in gratitude for the end of their deathly troubles. A procession travels from San Marco Square over the canal's bridges to the church. Many Venetians and visitors make the trip to the church to pay respects and to light a candle. On this day, the area around the church is set up with stalls selling religious paraphernalia, pastries and toys. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Glassblowing holiday festival |
Campo San Donato Venice 30100 Italy +39 41 529 8711 |
This happy week-long holiday festival celebrates the jolliest of Italy's patrons, Saint Nicholas, who also happens to be the patron saint of glassblowers. The glassworkers of Venice organize a water procession, the Regatta di Santa Nicholos, through the Grand Canal of the city. Free pasta is given out to anyone at the end of the water procession, at the Campo San Donato. Other events include a flea market, magic show and more. All events are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An international film and multimedia event |
44 Lungomare Giuglielmo Marconi Lido di Venezia Venice, Venice 30126 Italy +39 (0)2 4855 0279 (Organisers - Milan) http://www.mifed.com/ |
This annual film festival, showcasing the works of upcoming European film directors from 25-odd countries, is held in the Italian cities of Venice and Milan. For several decades, it took place twice a year, both in April and in October-November. However, in 2005, MIFED faced a crisis, and lost ground to other European film fests. The organizers, therefore, teamed up with the Venice Film Festival, and have since then held it between the months of August and September. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Freezing Splash to Start the Year |
Lungomare Giuglielmo Marconi (Lido Beach) Venice 30126 Italy +39 4 177 04 40 |
You know you've always wanted to be a member of the Polar Bears Club, and here's your chance. This tradition has grown in popularity to the point where there are literally thousands of onlookers each New Year's Day morn. If the idea of cleansing the old and refreshing for the new in such a manner does not appeal, then join the amused audience and watch others suffer. There is a small throng of dedicated participants who dunk beneath the chilly waters at Lido beach. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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In honor of Saints Peter and Paul |
Via Borgo San Pietro (Mestre) Venice, Venice 30100 Italy |
During the last week of June, the parish of San Pietro di Castello is filled with the delicious smells of traditional Venetian wine and food. The parish of San Pietro di Castello is the only remaining Church in Venice that is actually still a campo (covered in grass). The festivities finish on the last Sunday of June with a enormous bingo game outside the church. Free admission, but bring cash for food tasting and bingo! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cactus.sept |
 Photo: Feña Mardones |
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Venice cinema show |
Lungomare Giuglielmo Marconi Lungomare Marconi Venice, Venice 30126 Italy +39 (0)41 521 8711 http://www.labiennale.org/en |
This is officially called the Cinema Biennial and is one of the most renowned and prestigious film festivals in the world. The festival leans towards the artistic rather than commercial films. Screenings are shown in the Palazzo del Cinema, next to the Casino Venezia, where the festival is held annually. During this week, film comes to life as the most famous of stars, including luxurious motorboats, fans and the paparazzi land in Venice! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: C. Prina-Ricotti |
 Photo: caoz03 |
 Photo: Sarah Wilkin |
 Photo: Denise Esposito |
 Photo: Giorgio Iurcotta |
 Photo: John McDermott |
 Photo: Stefano Squarcia |
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A regatta open to everyone |
Bacino San Marco (St. Mark's Square) Venice 30124 Italy +39 41 521 0544 http://www.vogalonga.it |
On the first Sunday after the Ascension, this regatta, which was first held in 1975 has become one of the town's biggest events, is open to everyone and all types of boats. It is held on Venice's main canals, the Canal Grande and the Canale di Cannaregio, and goes down San Marco early in the morning. Even if you do not participate in the water action, it is fun to watch and cheer on the competitors who come from all over the world. The race starts at St. Mark's Basin with more than 50 rowing teams participating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gabriella Alu' |
 Photo: Gabriella Alu' |
 Photo: Austrian_Joe |
 Photo: Thomas Guignard |
 Photo: Gerald Grunwald |
 Photo: Bruno M---e--i |
 Photo: Cristina Croze |