Events, Venice

Carnival takes place every February in Venice, filling the streets and piazzas with costumed performers and further illuminating an already vibrant city. Open-air balls, theater representations and shows of all kinds take place in authentic 18th century style. The climax of the celebration occurs when a constructed dove "flies" to the Piazza San Marco from the Bell Tower to the Clock Tower. Venetians are said to be able to predict the fortunes of the upcoming year from the streamers that tumble from the broken dove at the end of its flight.

The Festival of the Redeemer takes place on the third Sundya of July. The celebration is held in memory of the end of the plague of 1576. Boats and gondolas are decorated for the festivities and the historical palaces facing the Grand Canal are illuminated.Tourists are welcome to join Venetians in crossing the boat bridges to the Church of the Redeemer and view the fireworks display that marks the end of the evening.

An exclusive (i.e. expensive) way of visiting one of the islands is to hire a gondola for the trip, but it can happen that the hard-headed gondolier - "time is money" - hitches a lift from a motor boat and the journey is taken at breakneck speed instead of the more romantic pace you had bargained for.The best time to take a trip on the gondola is at sunset.

A sightseeing tour Venetian-style is a boat ride along the Grand Canal from the railroad station to the Piazza di San Marco. You can choose between taking it easy on the "slow boat" (Accelerato No. 1), calling at every stop, and the Diretto No. 2 which only makes a few stops.

Saint Maria Della Saluta is one of the most popular anniversaries among Venetians. On November 21 they commemorate the end of the plague of 1630, and the construction of the church. A boat bridge from San Marco and passing through the Grand Canal connects Saint Moise and Saint Maria Zobenigo to facilitate the celebration.

The travel agencies offer a number of all-day excursions by boat to places of interest such as the villas at Brenta.Information is available from travel agencies and tourist offices.

The Historic Regatta is held the first Sunday of Septmeber on the Grand Canal. Thousands of boats, decked out in regalia and driven by costumed crews, fill the canal, bringing to life the regal atmosphere of the Serenissima Republic.

Every two years Venice hosts an international art exposition. Works by artists around the world are displayed at Riva dei 7 Martiri and notable palaces in the city.