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Festa della Salute - Venice |
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Commemorating the end of the plague that ravaged the city in the 17th century, the Festa della Salute is an occasion which sees the residents of Venice heading to the Church of Santa Maria della Salute in Dorsoduro, which stands alongside the Grand Canal and across from St. Mark`s Square. One of the last remaining truly religious festivals in Venice, the Festa della Salute is an annual event and takes place every November 21st.
The origins of Festa della Salute go back to 1630 when Venice was under siege by a deadly plague which was slowly wiping out its population. A holy vow was made whereby the city promised to build a church in honor of the Virgin Mary if God would stop the plague and be it divine intervention or coincidence, the plague did indeed come to an end! True to their word, the authorities began building the Byzantine style Church of Santa Maria della Salute. While the church was consecrated only in 1687, the Festa della Salute began shortly after.
Today the Festa della Salute is celebrated much as it was done centuries ago and is characterized by a temporarily erected pontoon bridge across the Grand Canal which links the San Moise and Santa Maria del Giglio areas with the church. On the day of the festival people from all over Venice make their way across the bridge to the church in order to light a candle and pray for good health. An event which is both sacred and joyous, the Festa della Salute gives visitors a chance to experience a traditional religious custom as well as enjoy local cuisine such as the famous mutton dish called “castradina”. An easy way to get to the church is by taking waterbus number 1 and getting off at the Salute vaporetto stop.
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