18 March to 18 June 2023 – Venice, Doge’s Palace – Doge’s Apartments
VITTORE CARPACCIO. Paintings and drawings. The paintings of Vittore Carpaccio (c. 1460/66 – c. 1525/26) splendidly celebrate Venice at the turn of the 15th century.
Saturday 20 May to Sunday 26 November (pre-opening 18 and 19 May)
The 14th International Architecture Exhibition
curated by academic, educator and best-selling novelist Lesley Lokko, who has commented: “Architects have a unique opportunity to put forward ambitious and creative ideas that help us imagine a more equitable and optimistic future in common”.
21 May 2023 – (The first Sunday after Ascension Day)
Festa e Regata della Sensa – The symbolic marriage of Venice to the sea. The Mayor of Venice, civic dignitaries and religious and military representatives leave St Mark’s Square and sail, accompanied by boats and rowers in historic costume, to the Port of S. Nicolò where they ritually throw a ring into the ocean. A laurel wreath is also laid in memory of those lost at sea. There is a ceremony of the “Wedding with the Sea” in front of the Church of S. Nicolò di Lido followed by a Regatta of the Sensa and Holy Mass at the church of S. Nicolò di Lido. A Sensa market also takes place at S. Nicolò.
28th May 2023
Vogalonga – A spectacular event attracting worldwide interest from spectators and participants alike. The vogalonga is a strenuous but friendly rowing race from St Mark’s Basin to the island of Burano returning via the Cannaregio Canal and Grand Canal before finally ending at the Punta Della Dogana. All kinds of rowing boats are involved, many from overseas. Started in 1975 by a group of rowing enthusiasts, the event is a visual feast with 1550 boats and 5800 participants taking part in 2007.
May 31 – June 4 2023
VENICE BOAT SHOW – Arsenale
Last week of June
Festa di San Pietro in Castello – traditional festivities celebrated in this ancient parish found to the east of the city.
LIVE CONCERTS IN ST MARK’S SQUARE
– June 30, July 1 and 2 – Laura Pausini
– July 8, Choir and Orchestra of Teatro La Fenice, directed by Juraj Valčuhaon
– July 9, Paolo Conte
14 – 16 July 2023 – (Third Weekend in July)
Festa del Redentore – One of the Venetians’ most loved events which came into being as a feast to give thanks for the end of the plague of 1575. A pontoon bridge is built every year from the Zattere in Dorsoduro over to the Church of the Redentore on the island of Giudecca. At sunset on the Saturday a large number of decorated boats begin congregating in St Mark’s Basin and people line the lantern-strung waterfronts to party, eat traditional food and to wait for the fireworks to begin (a breathtaking spectacle which begins at 11.30pm and lasts until after midnight). A wonderfully atmospheric evening which is followed on the Sunday with church services and a regatta on the Giudecca Canal.
30th August > 9th September 2023
The 80th Venice International Film Festival – The Venice International Film Festival on the island of the Lido is the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world where films battle it out to win the coveted Golden Lion award while film stars dazzle on the red carpet.
3 September 2023 – (the first Sunday in September)
Regata Storica – This spectacularly colourful Venetian event, is a re-evocation of the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favour of Venice. There is a procession of 16th century style boats, dozens of multi-coloured and decorated craft with people in period costume and numerous races, all watched and cheered on by crowds of supporters lining the banks of the Grand Canal.
