Venice's Great Fireworks, Popular and Super Luxurious

The countdown has begun: next weekend marks the return of Venetians' most beloved and world-famous celebration: the "famous night" of the Redentore, which lights up the lagoon with an exceptional display (followed by numerous regattas the following day). For 40 minutes, starting 11:30 PM on Saturday the 19th, Venice will be engulfed in approximately 6,000 fireworks, 2,300 kg of explosives, and a 420-meter fire front. A radio-controlled system of over 250 units, positioned on five large rafts and 25 smaller pontoons, will create enchanting patterns in the sky: stars, circles, arabesques, and golden waterfalls. In the heart of St. Mark's Basin, dotted with hundreds of boats on the bridge and those of the citizens gathered for the fireworks display created by Parente Fireworks, a grand performance titled "Casanova and Love" will unfold, fire and beauty, a celestial narration of emotions and heartbeats. Much more than a light show: a tribute to the historic figure of Casanova (whose anniversary this year) and, at the same time, a celebration of the fragile yet majestic beauty of Venice. The colors speak of Casanova: the red of passion, the gold of elegance, the white of stolen dreams, the blue of mystery. It will be packed, as usual; Venetians love watching the fireworks from boats, while for all the other streets and squares, heads up, but reservations are required (full info: redentorevenezia.it).

A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice by Peter Marino. Reception Area and Emilio Vedova Artworks.

It's the noisy, luminous dream of a midsummer night, the most popular and beloved spectacle among true Venetians, and it retains a genuine sense of devotion. It's also, therefore, an opportunity to experience the city, each according to taste and budget, but always aiming for the best. For those who prefer the timeless cicchetti, for example, two surefire addresses: Adriatico Mar, a top-notch yet tiny bacaro in San Polo, meticulously curated, offering excellent culinary inventions and superb selections by the glass; or the abundant and impeccable selection at Cantine del Vino già Schiavi, a must-see in Dorsoduro, a tavern that lives up to expectations, serving polenta, schie, baccalà, and all the paraphernalia you can imagine. Do yourself a favor, though: skip the omnipresent "spritz" and ask for a healthy, excellent "goto de vin."

Moving up the menu, among traditional yet high-quality restaurants, Vini da Gigio holds its own, but the real guarantee is still Covo (and its bistro), all of which are always booked in advance. For trips just outside the city limits, especially to get some fresh air and escape the madding crowds of these (and other) days, Celeste in Pellestrina is still a good choice, but the one that stands out for quality right now is Trattoria Boschetti in Locanda al Convento, beloved by locals and true gourmets.

A view of Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice by Peter Marino. Garden View Suite Bedroom.

For cocktails—let's drink as God commands!—there are many other choices. And while the best luxury breakfast we've had in Venice this year is the Gritti's, with a view of the Grand Canal and exquisite pastries, other super-luxury hotels are sharpening their weapons and preparing a season full of surprises, following the Bezos & Co. cyclone that has generated far too much buzz. Let's return to the scene of the crime, sorry, wedding: obviously at the Cipriani, one of the most beautiful Belmonds, which never tires of innovating. From Giudecca, a perfect location for the fireworks, the renovated rooms designed by Peter Marino allow you to discover new perspectives on the sumptuous hotel, respecting a tradition that must be continually revived. And, for the evening of the Redentore, the chefs at Oro and Cip's Terrazza have created special menus (with prices in line with a hotel of this kind), including lobster, oysters, caviar risotto, and tributes to carpaccio. The latter name echoes the legendary Harry's Bar of the eternal patron Arrigo, where you can perhaps go for lunch the day before or after the fireworks show.

A historic view of the Des Bains at the Lido, waiting to return to its former glory.

Or you can try the renowned Aman brunch, the scene of recent escapades by VIP wedding guests. Here, in the gardens and halls of Palazzo Papadopoli, the inventiveness of the talented chef Matteo Panfilio unleashes himself. With Arva, he creates simply excellent breakfasts, brunches, and catering services. But if there's one stop you absolutely must try at the Aman, it's the bar, where Antonio Ferrara is at the helm: young, already an award-winning chef, and I'd say the best bartender working in Italy right now. We promise to see you again with a full glass during the Redentore festival, so we asked him to create a cocktail for his customers (and our readers) for the occasion. No sooner said than done, and here's one that might soon become a regular on the menu. "It's our answer to the spritz. Easy to drink, at any time, and I wanted to include the local peach, a true local product, to emphasize the local area. Yes, we'll offer it for the Redentore festival." 45 ml White bitters, 60 ml Peach and basil cordial, Prosecco top, 2 dashes of Angostura. As for the name? I would suggest "Fireworks", it seems right to me. Who knows, maybe it will be accepted.