I think that Redentore (Redeemer's Day) was the first big Venetian festivity that I experienced here in the laguna (well, apart from Carnival), and I still remember how impressed I was by the huge masses of people filling the fondamenta and the calli on this day! (Not that Venice ever lacks visitors... 😉)

What is Redentore All About?

In case you wonder what "Redentore" is and why it's such an important tradition in Venice:

• The History: "Redentore" means "Redeemer." The festival is held every year on the third weekend of July to celebrate the end of a terrible plague in the 16th century and the construction of the homonymous church (Chiesa del Redentore).
• The Bridge of Boats: Once a year, people have the unique opportunity to cross the Giudecca Canal on foot. A temporary votive pontoon connects the Zattere to the entrance of the Redeemer's Church, which was built by the famous architect Palladio.
• The Celebration: The whole city celebrates this day by crossing the pontoon to reach the island Giudecca and the Redeemer's Church to light a candle ... AND especially along the fondamenta of the Giudecca canal and on hundreds of boats of different sizes (from huge yachts to tiny motor boats) moored in the Saint Mark's Basin (Bacino di San Marco). Everyone is drinking, eating, and partying until the fireworks begin!

Redentore 2026 Schedule & Program

Friday, July 17, 2026

• 08:00 PM – The Votive Pontoon spanning from Dorsoduro to the Redeemer's Church will officially open.

Saturday, July 18, 2026

• 11:30 PM – The legendary Fireworks Display will take place in Saint Mark's Basin (weather conditions permitting).

Sunday, July 19, 2026

• 03:30 PM – You can watch the traditional Regatta of the Redeemer in the Giudecca Canal.

⚠️ Travel Tip: Public transportation schedules change significantly during the festival weekend. Make sure to check the ACTV website for official updates on waterbus routes and timetables.

Where are the best spots to participate in the festivity?

When it comes to experiencing the true magic of Redeemer's Day, your viewing location makes all the difference—and the two best spots offer completely different vibes. For a vibrant, traditional experience, claiming a space early along the fondamenta (the waterfront promenades) in Giudecca puts you right in the heart of the local celebration, surrounded by long tables of Venetians dining and partying side-by-side along the canal. However, the ultimate, most iconic way to watch the midnight fireworks is from the deck of a boat moored directly in Saint Mark's Basin (Bacino di San Marco). Bobbing on the water among hundreds of other vessels, some of them decorated with colorful paper lanterns and echoing with music, gives you an unobstructed, breathtaking view of the pyrotechnics reflecting brilliantly off the lagoon.