Venice’s Feast of the Redeemer is one of Italy’s oldest religious celebrations, commemorating the city’s deliverance from a plague that killed a third of its population between 1575 and 1577. During the epidemic, the Doge prayed for and received grace to end the suffering, vowing to honor the event annually with a procession to a new church on Giudecca, the Church of the Redeemer, which remains a pilgrimage site today. The festival is still cherished and celebrated every third Sunday of July. The boat arrangements and Saturday fireworks create a magical atmosphere that fills Venetians with pride. The 2026 Feast will be held in Venice from July 18 to 19, 2026. The main event will be a spectacular fireworks display over St. Mark’s Basin on Saturday, July 18, at 11:30 PM, following the traditional opening of the votive bridge. The event schedule stays true to tradition: on Friday, July 17, the official opening of the votive bridge will connect the Zattere area to the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca Island. On Saturday, July 18, vessel traffic in the canals will face restrictions starting around 7:00 PM. That evening, Venice will host the famous "Notte Famosissima" (Most Famous Night), featuring boat dinners and the "Colors of Venice" fireworks at 11:30 PM. On Sunday, July 19, traditional regattas on the Giudecca Canal will begin at 4:00 PM, including youth, *pupparini*, and gondola races, followed by a Solemn Holy Mass.
For the Feast of the Redeemer in Venice on July 18–19, traditional Venetian cuisine is expected. Whether eating on a boat or in the city's districts (*sestieri*), common dishes include *Sarde in saor*—the festival's iconic dish, a sweet-and-sour appetizer that can be prepared in advance and eaten cold. *Bigoli in salsa*—a robust, flavorful first course. *Bovoetti*—small land snails with garlic, oil, and parsley, often served as a snack. Stuffed duck (*anara*)—a holiday main dish. For dessert and refreshment, slices of fresh watermelon—especially popular during boat dinners—and traditional Venetian sweets like *bussolà*.
If you prefer the comfort of a reserved table on land and impeccable service—without the stress of the swell or the crowds—panoramic restaurants offer exceptional menus. Options to observe the Festa from your seat at a restaurant along the Canale:
It offers an exclusive Redentore Festival menu at €420 per person, including wine pairings. The menu features refined dishes such as Carabineros prawns with Tabasco sorbet, *raviolone alla scapece* with caviar, and pan-seared turbot.
Situated at the tip of Giudecca, they offer an extraordinary direct view of the Doge's Palace. The Michelin-starred restaurant Oro hosts a gala dinner featuring a six-course tasting menu curated by Chef Vania Ghedini.
It offers a gala dinner with a la carte menu or special dishes prepared by the chef. The reservation includes exclusive access to Hotel Saturnia’s panoramic terrace to watch the fireworks from above.
Aromi Ristorante
Cip's Club & Oro Restaurant
Ristorante La Caravella
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