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The cultural
offerings of Venice are numerous and
include museums, cinemas, international
art exhibitions, opera theatres and of
course traditional festivities. These
festivities in particular draw many from
across Europe, and the world, as Venice
lives up to its reputation for complete
dedication to the pursuit of pleasure.
The packed calendar of traditional festivities
begins in February (the exact date depends
on the lunar calendar) when the notorious
Carnival festivities are held in the city.
A visit at this time of year will be an
unforgettable experience- the spirit of
abandon that comes with the anonymity afforded
by masks and costumes creates a particular
will to indulge in the infectious atmosphere.
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Moving
trough to the spring time on May, when the
oarsmen return of the city return to the lagoon,
comes the feast of the ascension (called La
Sensa in Venetia dialect). This is one of the
most important events in the city’s calendar
on account of Venice’s particular history,
being traditionally associated with the symbolic
ritual of marriage to the Sea. In the first
Sunday after Ascension Day is held the Vogalonga,
a non-competitive regatta that attracts rowers
of all ages who spend the whole day rowing
around less frequented parts of the Venice
lagoon near Burano, Murano and Torcello. |
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In the third Sunday of July Venetians celebrate
the feast
of the Redeemer in grand style. This
is a very old tradition, beginning at the
time of the construction of the church of Redentore on
Giudecca Island, built in thanksgiving
for the city’s deliverance from plague.
The real festivities take place the previous
evening when spectacular fireworks turn
the lagoon into a riot of colour; these
are watched
by the people of Venice from boats decorated
with greenery and multi-coloured balloons.
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From June till October the famous Biennale
of Art and Architecture is held
in Venice, an international exhibition
showing works of the latest artistic
trends and movements. The main exhibitions
are set in the Giardini and Arsenale
area, but recently more works are also
displayed around the rest of Venice,
transforming the city in a into a huge
exhibition space.
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September
is a great time to visit the city; many interesting
festivals take part at the same times like
the Biennalle of Art, The International Cinema
Festival and the traditional races and regattas
of the oarsmen.
At the beginning of September for 10 days, the
International Cinema
Festival is held in the
city. The most famous directors and actors compete
in this event for the favour of the international
jury, who award a “Golden Lion” for
the best film. |
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The
first Sunday of September is for oarsman and
Venetians an important date as a major boating
event and festival takes place in the city.
The Historical Regatta, a stately procession
of ceremonial boats carrying oarsmen in traditional
garb down the Grand Canal, is followed by a
race involving six categories of boats and
rowers competing to win the title of “fastest
oars of Venice”.
While some might enjoy the busy activity of Venice
during its many festivals, others might prefer
to visit the city when it is quieter. For a more
intimate stay, we suggest a visit in autumn or
winter time. At this time of year Venice reveals
its true character; the surrounding atmosphere
is magical and the city is immersed in a peaceful
silence.
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