Festa Della Madonna Della

The Festa Della Madonna Della Salute is a major religious festival in Venice, Italy. La Salute is one of the biggest churches of Venice. It was constructed to honor a promise made to Virgin Mary by the Venetian Senate. In the early 1600s a plague broke out in Europe which also hit Venice badly. Around one third of the Venetian population was wiped out by the plague. Troubled by the situation, the Senate vowed that if the city was rid of the deadly plague, a church would be built and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The plague receded and keeping the promise a church was built at the junction of the Grand Canal and Bacino di San Marco. Architects were invited to submit their designs and the design of a young architect Baldassare Longhena was chosen. The design of the church is unique and is regarded as a master piece in the world of architecture.

Since 1687, a festival is held on 21st November in remembrance of the event.

The celebrations involve a grand parade from the San Marco to the church. Every year a bridge especially constructed fort the event is used to cross the canal. Even today, thousands of people go to the church to light candles. Small stalls are set up which sell hand made toys, delicious pastries and candles.