Festa della Madonna della Salute 2024 in Venice

On November 21st, residents of Venice gather for a procession to commemorate those lost during the great plague of 1630. Held on the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this tradition continues to be celebrated today not only in Venice but also in Trieste and various cities and towns throughout the ancient Republic of Venice, including regions in Italy, Istria, and Dalmatia.

Pilgrimage

Thousands of believers and nonbelievers walk through the city, crossing a pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal from Santa Maria del Giglio and heading towards the Church. Upon arrival, they pray and light candles for the Virgin Mary. This feast is highly cherished by the Venetians, who feel a strong sense of community and share special foods on this significant day.

Traditional Food

The most iconic dish served on this day is 'Castradina,' a stew made from mutton, the only meat available during the plague. It commemorates the support of the Dalmatian people, who provided Venice with food during its isolation. Traditional cabbage stew is sold throughout the city, and families use the day to remember their loved ones.

History of Festa della Madonna della Salute

The impact on the local population was devastating: within less than two years, 47,000 people died, nearly one-third of all Venetians. During the peak of the Black Plague, with no effective remedy available, the Serenissima organized a procession to seek the Virgin Mary's protection. After three days and nights of prayers, on October 22, 1630, Doge Nicolò Contarini vowed to build a majestic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city were spared. Remarkably, the epidemic began to wane shortly after the procession, and by November 1631, it had completely ended. The Baroque Basilica was completed in 1640 to thank the Virgin for the miraculous end to the plague.