Venice's Redentore 2025: A Dance of Fire and Passion in the Name of Casanova
Venice is preparing for one of its most anticipated and cherished festivals, the Festa del Redentore, which in 2025 will be dedicated to the eternal theme of love and the figure of one of history's most famous seducers, Giacomo Casanova, on the 300th anniversary of his birth. On the night of Saturday, July 19th, 2025, the Bacino di San Marco will light up with a pyrotechnic spectacle titled "Casanova and Love," promising a unique and unforgettable experience.
A Tradition of Faith and Celebration
The Festa del Redentore is a tradition deeply rooted in the history of Venice, dating back to 1577. It was established to celebrate the end of a terrible plague and, since then, has combined sacred and profane elements. The fulcrum of the religious celebrations is the Church of the Redentore, built as an ex-voto on the island of Giudecca and designed by the great architect Andrea Palladio. Every year, a votive bridge of boats is built to connect the Zattere with the Giudecca, allowing a pedestrian pilgrimage to the church.
The Magic of the "Notte Famosissima"
The heart of the celebration is the "notte famosissima" (the very famous night) between Saturday and Sunday. Thousands of Venetians and visitors gather in the Bacino di San Marco on boats of all kinds, decorated with lights and fronds, for a large floating dinner. At 11:30 PM, the sky above Venice becomes the stage for a breathtaking fireworks display, which for about 30 minutes illuminates the domes, bell towers, and palaces of the most beautiful city in the world.
This year, the show, curated by Parente Fireworks, will be a tribute to Casanova. "Every explosion will be an emotion: a stolen kiss, a fleeting dream, a secret whispered under a Venetian mask," explain the organizers. An unmissable event for romantics and lovers of beauty.
The Program of the Festa del Redentore 2025
Friday, July 18th:
8:00 PM: Opening of the votive bridge connecting the Zattere with the Church of the Redentore on the island of Giudecca.
Saturday, July 19th:
11:30 PM: Fireworks display "Casanova and Love" in the Bacino di San Marco. To watch from the designated areas on land (San Marco, Riva degli Schiavoni, Zattere, Giudecca) and on the water, online booking is mandatory (reservations will open in the weeks leading up to the event on the official website, with priority for residents).
Sunday, July 20th:
4:00 PM: Regattas of the Redentore in the Giudecca Canal.
7:00 PM: Holy Mass at the Church of the Redentore.
How to Participate
To best experience the Festa del Redentore, it is essential to plan ahead. Access to the areas with the best visibility for the fireworks is limited and by reservation only. For those who want an even more exclusive experience, numerous agencies and tour operators offer boat parties with dinner and music, or you can even rent a boat with a skipper for a private celebration.
The "Redentore Diffuso"
The celebrations are not limited to the historic center. The "Redentore diffuso" brings the party to many other locations in the Venetian lagoon and mainland, including:
Pellestrina: Fireworks display.
Malcontenta, Asseggiano, Marghera, Gazzera: Sagre (traditional festivals), music, and entertainment.
The Festa del Redentore is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the most authentic Venetian tradition, a perfect blend of sacredness, spectacle, and popular celebration. An experience that, at least once in a lifetime, is worth living. For all information on the program, booking, and accessibility, you can consult the official website: www.redentorevenezia.it.
