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The
Redentore Feast-day (July 15 2007)
The Redentore is one of the Venetians’ most treasured festivities, and
is a tourist attraction thanks to the spectacular firework display in the evening.It
falls on the third Sunday in July, when Holy Mass is held in the presence of the
Patriarch, followed by a religious procession.But the special moment of the festivity
takes place on Saturday night: with the unbeatable backdrop of Saint Mark’s
Basin, a play of lights and reflections produce a kaleidoscope of colours with
the silhouetted spires, domes and bell towers of the city behind. The weekend
ends with a gondola regatta. |  |
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The
Historical Regatta (September 03 2007)
Even now the Regata Storica is one of the most spectacular, picturesque and moving
events of Venetian life, capable of both charming the tourists and exciting the
locals.A historical procession commemorates the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro,
wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favour of
venice. It is a procession of 16th century style boats, with the famous Bucintoro,
the boat representing the Serenissima, at its head. Then comes the competition.
The spectators participate with gusto and shouts of encouragement during the sporting
events. |
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veniceMARATON
- 22 October 2007
The
venicemarathon, now in its 19th year, has earned a place among the most important
events of the city. It is a sports event of international standing, attracting
over 6,000 runners from all over the world every year. The
marathon is held over the official Olympic distance of 42,195 kilometers (26,224
miles). The course is flat and basically downhill. It starts from Stra and runs
along the River Brenta, passing in front of the magnificent Palladian Villas of
the area. The runners arrive in venice via the Liberty Bridge, which links the
mainland to the city. After crossing a floating bridge 400 feet long over the
Grand Canal which leads to St. Mark's Square, runners reach the Riva dei Sette
Martiri in the picturesque waterfront of venice where the finish line is located.
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The
Feast-day of the Madonna della Salute (21st November 2006)
The Festa della Salute
is probably the least “touristy” of the Venetian festivities and evokes
strong religious feelings among the city’s inhabitants. The holiday is, like
the Redentore, in memory of another bout of pestilence, which lasted for two years
from 1630-31, and the subsequent vow by the Doge to obtain the intercession of
the Virgin Mary. Even today, thousands of inhabitants visit the main altar of
the imposing Salute Church on November 21 to give thanks, and a strong symbolic
tie remains between the city and the Virgin Mary. |  |
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