Info on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025? You’re in the right place.
Welcome to this complete guide by Venice Insider Guide dedicated to Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025.
In this new content by Venice Insider Guide you will find history, practical information, travel tips and FAQ to live the best of this Venice’s most popular event.
What is Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice
The Feast of the Madonna della Salute (festa della Madonna della Salute) is a votive and religious event that every year, on November 21st, sees thousands of Venetians and visitors flock to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute to thank the Virgin for the end of a plague.
The event combines devotion, popular rituals (purchase and lighting of large candles) and cultural moments along the Grand Canal.
When is Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025: date
Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025 is on November 21st 2025 (the usual date is November 21st).
If you’re planning to travel, consider that the days before and after may see related events and more crowd.
Where is Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
The heart of Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice is the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, located at the end of the Grand Canal, in front of St. Mark’s Basin. During the event a floating pontoon is set up that allows the faithful to cross the Grand Canal on foot and reach the basilica directly.
How to get to Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
How to get to Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025?
- Vaporetto: ACTV lines (lines 1 and direct lines to “Salute”) stop near the basilica (Salute stop).
- On foot: from St. Mark’s area you can cross the votive bridge during the event; from St. Lucia station or Rialto bridge it’s a nice walk (be prepared for crowds).
- Gondola or water taxi: the most expensive but scenic option; be aware of the water traffic during the event.
Plan extra time for the commute: the crowd and the votive bridge make the areas around Salute very busy.
Info and what to know on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
What to know on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025? Main info:
- Votive bridge: is set up a few days before and dismantled after the event; symbolically reenacts the 1631 thanksgiving procession.
- Candles and devotion: the faithful buy large candles and bring them to the church; candle stalls and vendors are around the area.
- Crowds: expect queues and continuous flows towards the basilica, especially on November 21st morning and afternoon.
- Weather: November in Venice is cool and wet; bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica (by Baldassare Longhena) is a baroque masterpiece built as a votive offering for the end of the 1630-31 plague. The building, with its large dome, dominates the Grand Canal entrance and is full of artworks (including paintings by Venetian artists). The entrance to the church is free of charge; access to the sacristy or guided tours may require a ticket.
Traditional dish Castradina
The castradina is the traditional dish of the festival: a stew made with meat (usually goat or smoked mutton) with cavolo verza or other vegetables. Born from the maritime tradition and the preservation of meat, today it’s prepared in Venetian homes and served in some trattorias during the festival. It’s a taste of local cuisine for those who want to participate also in the culinary way.
Venetian celebration
The event blends the sacred and the profane: religious processions and official masses (with the Patriarch’s participation) coexist with stalls, neighborhood parties, music and a sense of collective memory. It’s a moment when the city remembers its victims and celebrates resilience with a strong sense of community.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal becomes the main stage of the festival: the votive bridge crosses it and the banks are crowded to watch the flow towards Salute. It’s a great opportunity to take pictures of the basilica from the water or the opposite banks, but be aware of the increased water traffic.
History Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice
The Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice was born as a public votive after the devastating plague of 1630-31: the Senate of the Most Serene decided to build a church dedicated to the Virgin as a thanksgiving for the end of the epidemic.
The works for the Basilica started in 1631 and the popular devotion consolidated with processions and rituals that, although evolved, still exist today.
Tips on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
Here are some tips for Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025.
- Get there early if you want to enter the church avoiding the peak hours.
- Bring small candles if you want to participate in the devotional practice; large candles are sold on site.
- Wear warm and waterproof clothing: November can be cold and rainy.
- Avoid cars: the center is pedestrian and crowded; better vaporetto or on foot.
- Book accommodations in advance: the festival attracts visitors, especially those looking for a religious or photographic experience.
- Respect the rituals: silent behavior in church and during processions is appreciated.
Why attend Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
Attending the Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025 means immersing yourself in hundreds of years of Venetian history: it’s an opportunity to see living traditions, visit one of the most iconic churches in Venice and understand the deep relationship between the city and its collective memory. For photographers, history enthusiasts, devotees or simply curious, the festival offers unforgettable images and emotions.
FAQ on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025
Here are the most frequently asked questions on Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025.
What is the festa della Madonna della Salute?
The festival is a religious and civil event that celebrates the Virgin as the protector of the city after the 1630-31 plague; it takes place on November 21 with pilgrimages, masses and the votive bridge on the Grand Canal.
Is Santa Maria della Salute free?
The entrance to the basilica is generally free during opening hours; access to the sacristy and internal museum areas may require a ticket. Check the updated hours before visiting.
What is the festival of November 21 in Venice Italy?
It’s the Feast of the Madonna della Salute: a day of pilgrimage and thanksgiving to the Madonna for protection from the plague, characterized by the construction of the votive bridge and religious rituals.
What does Madonna have to do with Venice, Italy?
The Madonna was invoked by the Republic of Venice during the 1630 plague as the protector: the construction of the Basilica della Salute is the public vow made to the Virgin for the salvation of the city.
When is the votive bridge installed?
The votive bridge is installed a few days before the festival and remains in place to allow the faithful to cross the Grand Canal to the basilica; the exact date of installation is announced by the City of Venice every year.
Where can I eat castradina in Venice?
Some osterie and trattorias prepare castradina during the festival; alternatively many families cook it at home. Check local menus or ask tourist guides for updated addresses.
Is it suitable for families / strollers?
The bridge is designed to handle many people, but can get crowded; if you have a stroller, plan less busy hours or alternative access.
Are there side events (concerts, exhibitions)?
Yes: around the festival days there are often sacred concerts, guided tours and small local exhibitions. Check the City’s event calendar or main cultural centers in Venice.
Conclusion
The Feast of the Madonna della Salute in Venice 2025 is a window into history, faith and Venetian culture: participating means being part of a community that remembers and celebrates its resilience.
If you want to live Venice like a local, planning your visit around November 21st is a smart and memorable choice.