Venice Redentore 2013 / by Marco Secchi

VENICE, ITALY - JULY 20: Childrens wearing gondoliers shirts listen to the speaches of the Major of Venice and the Patriarch of Venice during the opening of the Redentore Celebrations on July 20, 2013 in Venice, Italy. Redentore is one of the most loved celebrations by Venetians which is in remembrance for the end of the 1577 plague. Highlights of the celebration include the pontoon bridge extending across the Giudecca Canal, gatherings on boats in the St Mark's basin and a spectacular fireworks display. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images) (Marco Secchi/Getty Images)

Redentore means “Redeemer” in Italian, and the Festa del Redentore Venice is in celebration of the city’s deliverance from the ravages of the plague in 1577. The Venice Redentore Festival is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of July. A grand secular celebration with festive dinners and fireworks occurs on Saturday evening. Sunday is reserved for religious observances, including High Mass at the Redentore Church and in afternoon regattas in the lagoon.

VENICE, ITALY - JULY 20: People gather on boats of all sizes at Punta della Dogana in St Mark's basin for the Redentore Celebrations on July 20, 2013 in Venice, Italy. Redentore is one of the most loved celebrations by Venetians which is in remembrance for the end of the 1577 plague. Highlights of the celebration include the pontoon bridge extending across the Giudecca Canal, gatherings on boats in the St Mark's basin and a spectacular fireworks display. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images) (Marco Secchi/Getty Images)
VENICE, ITALY - JULY 20: Fireworks explode over the St. Mark's Basin for the Redentore Celebrations on July 20, 2013 in Venice, Italy. Redentore, which is in remembrance of the end of the 1577 plague, is one of Venice's most loved celebrations. Highlights of the celebration include the pontoon bridge extending across the Giudecca Canal, gatherings on boats in the St. Mark's Basin and a spectacular fireworks display. (Photo by Marco Secchi/Getty Images) (Marco Secchi/Getty Images)

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