In 1630, Venice experienced an unusually devastating outbreak of the plague. As a token offering for the city’s deliverance from the pestilence, the Republic of Venice vowed to build and dedicate a church to Our Lady of Deliverance.
On November 21 the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin, known as the Festa della Madonna della Salute, the city’s officials parade from San Marco to the Salute for a service in gratitude for deliverance from the plague is celebrated. This involved crossing the Grand Canal on a specially constructed pontoon bridge and is still a major event in Venice. Every year a lot of Venetian resident and not use to walk to the Church as pilgrims, crossing the Ponte Votivo (bridge)
Pontoon bridge from the Accademia site
Pontoon bridge from the Salute site
Crossing the bridge
Crossing the bridge
One of the first things that the majority of people buy is candles to utilize inside of the church. Those wishing to participate, may join the mass of light candles, so that the Virgin Mary can intercede on behalf of their health.
Trying to manage traffic of people; who’s right?
There are more locations to light the candles and due to high traffic, there are volunteers to assist the process runs smoothly. Totals of candles light in the past exceeded 15,000 candles!
Every hour a mass devoted to Madonna is celebrated; all these celebrations are crowed starting 6:00am
The most anticipated event is the Mass with the Patriarch; a long preparation is required for safety reason in favour of the political and religious officers that use to attend to the celebration
Checking if on late…
But finally they arrived
Church was targeting an assault of the faithful
Not all of them could enter to attend the Mass, so….
Between sacred and profane
In the modern world, this feast offers much to everyone: sincere religious connections; enjoy the many sweets offered, and a joyful experience Banks of sweets outside the church. The procession of the faithful who light a candle, after the mass flows through benches of candy, colored balloons and toys: the two aspects of the party blend perfectly.
Equipment used for this reportage: Leica Monochrom CCD, Summicron 35 mm ASPH, Yellow filter. So… Single Camera, Single Prime Lens!!!
Vinicio Tassani
reportage, portrate, bookcell.: +39.380.3158202
info@viniciotassani.it
