Carnival of VeniceOriginating in the 12th century, the Carnival of Venice is one of the world's most famous festivals and fills the whole city with musicians, acrobats, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, beautiful masks, elaborate costumes, and parades. People come from around the world to participate in masked balls and general festivities in the ancient Venetian tradition, and to enjoy theatrical and dance performances, exhibitions and concerts along the canals, squares and the magnificent palaces of the city. Carnival traditions are the same, but every year the theme is different.
Venue: Centerd on San
Marco's Square
Date: 5 - 16 February 2010
Website: www.carnevale.venezia.it
Festa del Redentore (Feast Day of the Redeemer)One of Venice's most important religious festivals, the Feast Day of The Redeemer (Il Redentore) is also one of the most traditional dating back to 1576 in commemoration of the end of the plague that wiped out a third of the city's population. The Church of the Redentore was built on the Giudecca Island and a promise was made by the Doge to lead a procession of thanksgiving every year to the church; the opening of the temporary bridge of gondolas roped together that stretches across the canal to the island is the traditional start of the festivities. At sunset the waterways are filled with hundreds of brightly lit and decorated boats, while the banks of the canal are lined with feasting and dancing. The highlight is the tremendous fireworks display accompanied by music, and considered by many to be one of the most spectacular in the world. Regattas, rowing competitions, and special services in the Redentore Church (reached via the boat bridge) also form part of the festivities. For more information phone +39 (0)4 1274 7736.
Venue: Giudecca Canal and St. Mark's Basin
Date: 19-20 July 2009
Historical RegattaRegattas have traditionally been held on the waterways of Venice since the 13th century, and are still held throughout the year today, the most important of which is the Historical Regatta, held on the first Sunday in September. This is a regatta of distinction, attracting huge crowds of merry spectators to cheer on the various rowing races. The gondola races are preceded by a magnificent historical procession of elaborately carved boats, manned by Venetians in splendid costumes, which recalls the famous 16th-century procession of the Queen of Cyprus come to deliver her kingdom into the hands of the Venetians.
Venue: Grand Canal
Date: First Sunday of September, annually.
International Festival of Contemporary MusicThis long-associated music festival showcases some of the newest and most interesting commissioned works and premieres brought to the Venice Biennale.
Venue: Teatro La Fenice, Teatro Malibran, Piccolo Teatro Arsenale
Date: October 2009 TBA
Website: www.labiennale.org/en
BarcolanaBarcolana is one of the largest sailing races in the world and draws thousands of fans to watch 2,000 boats (traditional and state-of-the-art) battle it out on the Mediterranean shores of beautiful Trieste.
Venue: Trieste, 65 miles (100km) east of Venice
Date: October 2009 TBA
Website: www.barcolana.it
La VeciaHeld in mid-lent on Lake Garda, where Gardone and Gargnano host festivals and an image of a woman being burnt on a bonfire, this event commemorates the 'Hag Trials' that were held in medieval times. There will be many traditional meals, souvenirs and sights to revel in; make a weekend of it and enjoy the water, sun and fun!
Venue: Lake Garda
Date: March, mid-lent
Suezo Peri PontiAs the name suggests, Suezo Peri Ponti is a marathon race around the streets of Venice, with the contestants running up and down the bridges. This is a great event not to be missed; prepare for the thrill of watching runners try to navigate the complex bridge route! There will also be various local cuisine and souvenirs on offer.
Venue: Venice
Date: Second Sunday in March
La Sensa, Marriage to the SeaThis annual ceremony reaffirms the 'marriage' of Venice and the Adriatic sea. The mayor arrives at the Lido by boat and drops a gold ring into the water. He then proceeds to the San Nicolo church to attend a service. Anybody who dives into the sea and retrieves the ring may keep it, and be exempt from all state taxes for a year.
Venue: Lido
Date: First Sunday after Ascension
BiennaleThe Biennale takes place in odd-numbered years and is a modern-art exposition featuring painters, sculptors, and performance artists from around the world. Most of the events are held in the Giardini Pubblici, or nearby at the Corderie dell'Arsenale.
Venue: Giardini Pubblici
Date: 7 June to 22 November 2009
Venice Film FestivalThe Venice Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica di Venezia) is the oldest film festival in the world and takes place during the August each year. Take a water bus to the Lido to enjoy the presentation and mingle with the stars!
Venue: Lido
Date: August/September
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