21 November 2026 · Venice
The Festa della Salute in Venice
On 21 November Venetians cross the Grand Canal on a bridge of boats to light a candle to the Madonna della Salute, a vow the city has renewed since the plague of 1630-1631. Here is what to know for the 2026 feast and what we arrange for you, from the airport to a boat on the Grand Canal.
At a glance
- When is it?
- Every year on 21 November. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday.
- What does it mark?
- The end of the plague of 1630-1631. The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute was built as thanks, and the city returns every year to keep the vow.
- What do people do?
- They walk across the votive bridge over the Grand Canal, enter the Basilica and light a candle. At lunch, traditionally, they eat castradina.
- What is the weather like?
- Cold and damp, often foggy. November is also one of the months when high water is most frequent.
Festa della Salute 2026 dates
Service times, the opening of the votive bridge and navigation rules on the Grand Canal are announced close to the feast: we update this page as soon as they are published.
Before 21 November
The votive bridge
It is usually put up shortly before the feast: a bridge on pontoons crossing the Grand Canal from the Santa Maria del Giglio area to the Salute.
Saturday 21 November
The feast
From morning to evening many Venetians cross the bridge to visit the Basilica. The Salute area is crowded all day.
21 November, at the table
Castradina
A soup of smoked mutton and cabbage: the dish of the feast, traditionally eaten on this very day.
November
A quieter Venice
There are fewer visitors than at any other time of year. Fog and tides come with the month, so leave a little margin in your plans.
What we arrange for you
The boats and cars are ours, with our own captains and drivers. For guides and tables we work with partners we know: one point of contact for everything.
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01
Arrival by water taxi
From Marco Polo Airport to your hotel's water entrance at any hour. Eight-seat boats, luggage on board.
The water taxi -
02
The votive bridge from the water
A private boat with captain on the Grand Canal to see the bridge and the Salute from the water. During the feast navigation near the bridge may be restricted: the captain follows the rules in force that day.
The private boat -
03
Private guide
On request, a guide for the Salute Basilica and Dorsoduro, subject to availability.
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04
A table for castradina
We look for a restaurant serving castradina for the feast, on request and subject to availability.
Tips from people who work in Venice every day
- Expect crowds. On the 21st the bridge and the square in front of the Salute are full from morning to evening: it is the Venetians' own feast, so take it slowly.
- Waterproof shoes. In November, between fog, damp and the odd high tide, they are the most useful thing you can pack.
- Check the tides. The MOSE barrier stops the highest tides, but smaller ones can still flood St Mark's Square. The City publishes forecasts daily; if needed we change the landing point.
- Book your castradina. Not every restaurant makes it, and those that do fill up: ask a few days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Festa della Salute in 2026?
Saturday 21 November 2026. The date is fixed: the feast is held every year on 21 November, whatever the day of the week.
What is the votive bridge?
A temporary bridge on pontoons across the Grand Canal, from the Santa Maria del Giglio area to the Basilica of the Salute. It is usually in place for the feast days and lets people walk to the Basilica, as Venetians do to light their candle.
What is castradina?
A soup of smoked mutton and cabbage, the traditional dish of the feast. It is not on menus all year: on request we look for a restaurant serving it on 21 November, subject to availability.
Can we see the votive bridge from a boat?
Yes, on a private boat with our captain. During the feast navigation on the Grand Canal near the bridge may be regulated or restricted: the captain knows the rules for the day and plans the route around them.
Is Venice worth visiting in November?
Yes, if you want a quieter Venice: there are fewer visitors, you can walk the city without queues, and the Festa della Salute shows a tradition Venetians still hold dear. Expect cold, fog and the occasional high tide.
Let us plan your stay for the Festa della Salute
Send us your dates, how many you are and what you need: transfers, boat, guide, table. We reply with a proposal and clear prices.
- Our own water taxis and boats, 24/7
- Desk at Marco Polo Airport, 8 am to 6 pm
- Guides and tables on request, subject to availability
