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Fall Festivals in VeniceAutumn is the season when Venetians have traditionally walked on water--and when we say that, we aren't referring to the acqua alta, or "high water," which occurs when tides and storms on the Adriatic cause flooding in low-lying areas of the city such as St. Mark's Square. Rather, we're talking about two festivals in November: Nov. 1: All Saints' DayIn the United States, All Saints' Day is all but forgotten. Most people think of it (if they think of it at all) as the day after Halloween. In Catholic Europe, however, All Saints' Day is an important occasion--rather like Memorial Day in the U.S., but with religious overtones. The Catholic mass for All Saints' Day includes the prayer:
The "saints" of the prayers aren't the usual religious celebrities (the ones who get churches named after them), but are ordinary people--grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, childen, and others who have made their way to the heavenly throne cited in the mass.
Before you conclude that All Saints' Day is too depressing for a tourist to enjoy, consider this statement from the Venice Port Authority's old WetVenice site:
So, if you're in Venice on November 1, you don't need to leave flowers at the cemetery--but don't forget to give fave to your fave! Nov. 21: Feast of Santa Maria della Salute
Today, more than 375 years later, city workers still lay a footbridge built on pontoon boats across the Grand Canal every November 21. The bridge leads from the San Marco quarter to the steps of the Salute Church, where the main doors are opened--as they are just once a year--to receive the masses for mass. The faithful light candles in front of the church, while Catholics and heathen tourists alike enjoy mutton and frittele veneziana (fritters stuffed with pine nuts or raisins) during this very popular festival. Related articlesTo Die in Venice Santa Maria della Salute Church |
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Hotel Advice: Location can be important in a car-free city with 400+ bridges, especially when you're walking with luggage. Before you book, see:
Venice for Cruisers:
From our Venice Travel Blog:
A water taxi ride to Venice Airport
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In
Venice, families traditionally crossed a pontoon bridge to the island cemetery of San
Michele (see photo) to place flowers on the graves of their saintly or secular relatives.
Today, they make the trip by vaporetto or water taxi, but the idea is the same:
to honor the dead and keep in touch with the loved ones they expect to see in the
hereafter.
