Feast of Our Lady of Health
On November 21st, Venice renews its vow to Our Lady by crossing the votive bridge over the Grand Canal
About Our Lady of Health
A Vow Spanning Four Centuries
The Feast of Our Lady of Health originated from the terrible plague epidemic that, between 1630 and 1631, killed about a third of Venice's population. On October 22, 1630, the Senate of the Serenissima made a solemn vow to the Virgin: if the city were freed from the contagion, a new church would be dedicated to her. Once the pestilence subsided, the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, a Baroque masterpiece by Baldassarre Longhena, was erected on the tip of Dorsoduro, at the entrance of the Grand Canal.
The Votive Bridge and Pilgrimage
Since 1631, every November 21st, the city keeps its promise. For this occasion, a floating votive bridge is constructed, connecting the Santa Maria del Giglio shore to San Gregorio, allowing the faithful to reach the basilica on foot across the Grand Canal. Throughout the day, an uninterrupted stream of Venetians ascends to the Salute to light a votive candle and offer a prayer to the Madonna. It is the most intimate and defining festival for the Venice that remains, the one for its residents.
Flavors of the Salute
Stalls selling sweets, balloons, and candles are set up around the basilica. The table for the Salute has its traditional dishes: 'castradina', a soup of smoked mutton with savoy cabbage, fritters, and hot chocolate. The commemoration, sharing its origins with the Feast of the Redeemer, remains one of the most important events in the calendar of Venice and the Veneto region.
Our Lady of Health — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Our Lady of Health falls on Saturday, November 21st. The floating votive bridge between Santa Maria del Giglio and San Gregorio is blessed and opened in the days immediately preceding the feast and removed in the following days. The basilica remains open from dawn till dusk with masses every hour; the solemn mass is presided over by the Patriarch of Venice.
Programme Our Lady of Health 2026
Preceding Days
- Blessing and opening of the floating votive bridge over the Grand Canal (between Santa Maria del Giglio and San Gregorio)
Saturday, November 21, 2026 — Feast Day
- Basilica of Our Lady of Health open all day, with masses celebrated every hour from early morning until evening
- Morning: Solemn mass presided over by the Patriarch of Venice
- All day: Pilgrimage of Venetians across the votive bridge and lighting of votive candles
- Stalls selling sweets, balloons, and candles around the basilica; tasting of 'castradina', fritters, and hot chocolate
The precise times for the solemn mass and the opening of the bridge will be confirmed by the Patriarchate of Venice in the weeks prior.
Highlights Our Lady of Health 2026
Prices Our Lady of Health 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of Health
How to get there
By train to Venezia Santa Lucia station, then take ACTV vaporetto line to Salute or Santa Maria del Giglio stops. The votive bridge allows you to reach the basilica on foot across the Grand Canal.
Good to know
The basilica remains open all day on November 21st, with masses celebrated every hour. The solemn mass presided over by the Patriarch is held in the morning. It is recommended to try 'castradina' in the bacari and restaurants in the area.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Our Lady of Health
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Punta della Dogana, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venezia