Festa del Redentore 2026 Venice, Italy
Overview
The Festa del Redentore is one of Venice’s most deeply felt traditions, combining a solemn religious atmosphere with a spectacular public celebration. Dating back to 1577, the festival commemorates the end of a devastating plague that struck the city, leading to the construction of the iconic Redentore Church on Giudecca Island. Every year, a massive pontoon bridge is constructed across the Giudecca Canal, allowing pilgrims and visitors to walk across the water to reach the church, symbolizing a path to gratitude and renewal.
The celebration is famously known for the “Notte Famosissima” or the Most Famous Night, which takes place on Saturday evening. The Venetian lagoon fills with thousands of decorated boats, while locals and tourists gather along the banks to share traditional meals of sardines in saor, bisi e risi, and seasonal fruits. The night culminates in a world-class fireworks display that illuminates the San Marco Basin, reflecting off the water and the historic facades of the floating city in a breathtaking show of light and color.
Event Highlights
- Votive Pontoon Bridge: A temporary 330-meter floating bridge is assembled to connect the Zattere waterfront to the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca Island.
- The Most Famous Night: A massive Saturday night celebration where the lagoon is packed with boats and people dining outdoors along the canals.
- Grand Fireworks Display: A spectacular pyrotechnic show lasting nearly an hour, lighting up the sky over the Basin of San Marco in a historic setting.
- Redentore Regatta: A traditional rowing competition held on Sunday afternoon featuring typical Venetian boats steered by local athletes.
Why Attend
This festival offers a rare opportunity to witness Venice at its most authentic, blending ancient religious devotion with a high-energy social celebration. It is the perfect event for those who want to see the city through the eyes of its residents, participating in a tradition that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The sight of thousands of lanterns on boats and the communal spirit of dining under the stars provides an atmosphere that is incomparable to any other festival in the world.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
History buffs, photography enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a unique cultural experience should prioritize this event. While the religious ceremonies provide a moment of reflection, the fireworks and the regatta offer world-class entertainment. Attending the Festa del Redentore ensures you experience the maritime soul of Venice, making it an unforgettable highlight for any international visitor to Italy during the summer season.
Date & Duration
- The “Notte Famosissima” returns in July 2026
- Festival Duration: A full weekend of activities starting with the bridge opening on Saturday and ending with the regatta on Sunday.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Venice, Italy.
- Venue: Giudecca Canal and San Marco Basin.
- Google Maps Address: P.za San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: The festival itself is free to the public, though some specific viewing areas require online registration.
- Admission Type: Free admission for the bridge crossing and public viewing areas along the banks.
- Ticket Pricing: The entry fee is $0.00 for the main public event areas.
- Price Range: Minimum price is $0.00 and maximum price is $0.00.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Private boat tours and dinner packages on the water are available through third-party vendors for varying fees.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@veneziaunica.it
- Phone: +39 041 2424
- Website: www.veneziaunica.it
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/VeneziaUnicaCitypass/
- https://x.com/veneziaunica
- https://www.youtube.com/@VeneziaunicaIt
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Venice Marco Polo (VCE), 13 km from City Center (~20 minutes by water taxi/bus); Treviso (TSF), 40 km away.
- Public Transport: Alilaguna water bus from VCE to San Marco (75-minute ride, ~$16); ACTV Vaporetto Line 1 or 2 through the Grand Canal.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Water taxis from VCE ~$120-150; land taxis to Piazzale Roma ~$45 (use Uber or local taxi apps).
- Parking: Nearby garages like Autorimessa Comunale at Piazzale Roma (~$38/day); Tronchetto Parking (~$28/day); booking in advance is essential.
- Other Access: People Mover from Tronchetto to Piazzale Roma; walking via the Rialto Bridge (20 minutes) for historic immersion.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Danieli (5-star, 0.5 km, historic luxury, ~$850-1500/night); Belmond Hotel Cipriani (5-star, on Giudecca, iconic views ~$1200-2200/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Hotel Bisanzio (4-star, 0.8 km, traditional Venetian style, ~$250-450/night); Hotel Kette (4-star, near San Marco, ~$220-400/night).
- Budget Stays: Generator Venice (Hostel, on Giudecca, waterfront vibe ~$60-140/night); Hotel Florida (2-star, near station, ~$110-190/night).
Reviews
- The fireworks reflecting in the lagoon were the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my entire life.
- Walking across the temporary bridge felt like a spiritual journey and the views of the city were incredible.
- We rented a boat with friends and the atmosphere on the water with all the lanterns was magical.
Attention!
We offer complete packages including Event Tickets, Accommodation, Transportation & more — so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Contact Us →Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Do I need to book a spot to watch the fireworks from the shore?
Yes, in recent years the city of Venice has implemented a mandatory online reservation system for the most popular viewing areas along the waterfront. This is done to ensure public safety and manage the flow of the thousands of people who attend the event. You should check the official Venice tourism website a few weeks before the event to secure your free access pass.
Is it difficult to cross the votive bridge during the festival?
The bridge is very sturdy and designed to hold thousands of people, but it can get extremely crowded during peak hours on Saturday night. It is best to cross during the morning or late Sunday afternoon if you want to avoid the largest crowds. Security personnel are always on-site to manage the flow and ensure everyone can cross safely to the Giudecca side.
What is the traditional food I should try during the Redentore?
The most traditional dish for this festival is Sarde in Saor, which consists of fried sardines marinated in onions, vinegar, pine nuts, and raisins. You will also find many locals eating "bisi e risi," a classic Venetian rice and pea dish that is perfect for summer. Most people prepare these dishes in advance to eat on their boats or at long tables set up along the canals.
Can I take a public Vaporetto during the fireworks display?
No, public water transport in the San Marco Basin and the Giudecca Canal is suspended several hours before the fireworks begin for safety reasons. All Vaporetto lines are rerouted, and the lagoon is strictly reserved for the decorated boats that have registered for the event. You should plan your movements carefully and ensure you are in your chosen viewing spot by early evening.
What happens on the Sunday after the big fireworks night?
Sunday is dedicated to the religious and athletic aspects of the festival, starting with a grand mass at the Redentore Church. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the water for the Redentore Regatta, where various classes of traditional boats compete in the Giudecca Canal. It is a much calmer but equally beautiful day that highlights the city's connection to its rowing heritage.
