Dear readers,

Join me on a journey back in time to discover how summer was lived and celebrated in historic Venice. Venetian summers, marked by a vibrant fusion of traditions, festivities, and ceremonies, offered a rich calendar of events that enlivened the city, transforming its canals and squares into scenes of communal festivities.

The heart of Venetian summer was the Festa della Sensa, which celebrated the millennia-old relationship between Venice and the sea. This festival took place on Ascension Day and saw the Doge “marry the sea” in a spectacular symbolic ceremony, throwing a blessed ring into the lagoon waters to renew the vows between the city and its vital element, the sea.

Another highlight of summer was the Regata di Sant’Erasmo, a rowing boat race along the Grand Canal. This regatta was not just a sporting competition but a true social event, involving nobles and citizens alike, all gathered to watch and cheer on the colorful boats.

No discussion of Venetian summer would be complete without mentioning the Redentore, a festival deeply rooted in the hearts of Venetians. Originating as a thanksgiving for the end of a terrible plague, this festival includes a spectacular procession of illuminated boats and an incredible fireworks display that lights up the night, creating a magical reflection on the lagoon waters.

These summer festivities not only enlivened the season but also reinforced the sense of community and belonging among Venetians. They were occasions to celebrate Venice’s history, culture, and traditions, blending collective joy and civic devotion.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of these summer traditions, to discover how Venetians of the past lived and celebrated the warmest season, making every summer an unforgettable moment in city life.

Until our next historical rediscovery