In July, there’s the Redentore, the most Venetian night of the year

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There are events you simply watch. And then there are others you experience firsthand. For me, the Redentore undoubtedly belongs to the second category.

Every year, when July arrives, Venice begins to prepare for one of its most beloved event, on a night that everyone calls “Famosissima” (very famous). People start thinking about decorations for the boats, what to eat, where to meet… In short, the whole city begins to buzz with excitement, building up until the third weekend of July, which this year falls between July 17 and 19.

The highlight will be Saturday the 18th, when the Redentore will light up the city and, as has been the case for centuries, Venice will come together around a tradition that is much more than just a fireworks display.

The history of the Redentore, in fact, has its roots in the 16th century, when the Venetian Republic sought to celebrate the end of the terrible plague that struck the city between 1575 and 1577. Since then, every year, this moment of thanksgiving and remembrance has been renewed, transforming it into a festival that unites spirituality, conviviality, and a sense of belonging. It is a unique tradition that never fails to move me because it speaks to the soul of this city. Venice has always known how to transform its history into a collective ritual, something to be shared and passed down.

The first sign comes as early as Friday, when the votive bridge connecting the Zattere to the Church of the Redeemer on Giudecca opens. Crossing it means taking part in a tradition that has been repeated for generations and that still retains its full meaning today. Then Saturday evening arrives and everything transforms. Boats gather in St. Mark’s Basin, tables are set on the water, and people come together to wait. The sun sets slowly, and Venice takes on that summer light that makes it even more beautiful.

When the fireworks begin at 11:30 p.m., everyone stops and looks up. The sky lights up with colors that reflect on the water; the palaces, too, become marvelous spectators, and for a few minutes, the entire San Marco Basin transforms into a scene unique in the world.

But the most beautiful part of the Redentore, at least for me, isn’t just the show. It’s the atmosphere you feel in the hours leading up to it. It’s seeing Venice live out a tradition that truly belongs to its residents, with tourists watching curiously and respectfully. It’s watching families, friends, and different generations share the same celebration, the same rituals, the same stories. And perhaps this is precisely why the Redentore continues to be one of the most authentic celebrations not only of the city, but I would dare say of Italy.

At Suite735, the Redentore is a special occasion every year, and this year is no exception. Many guests choose this time of year to visit Venice and discover one of its most cherished traditions: it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the city not just as visitors, but as participants in a story that continues to be written year after year.

Because the Redentore is not simply an event; it is Venice celebrating itself, and it is one of those moments that, once experienced, remain etched in memory far longer than any photograph.

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