Culture

Venice’s culture is rapidly transforming into a tourist culture.  Money is spent towards renovating cultural institutions like the La Fenice opera house that will attract wealthy visitors.  In the past, little or no money has been put into revitalizing the entertainment of its citizens and, as a result, the dissatisfied and bored population is leaving.  Recently, with the plans to redevelop the Záttere district, an interest in creating more leisure activities for residents has been expressed.  Cafés, which originated in Venice, are very popular places to relax, drink coffee, and have a conversation.

Cafe - Piazza San Marco (Michelin)

Harry's American Bar- (Old haunt of Hemingway) Tourist attraction (Michelin) Carnival mask (Free foto)

The nightlife in Venice is essentially dead by 11pm.  Past this hour, only movie theaters, casinos and a few bars, which mainly cater to tourists, keep their lights on.  This lack of urban excitement is yet another element of Venetian society that is driving people to the mainland. An important part of the Venetian culture, music is heard everywhere throughout the city, from the patios of cafés to the concert halls.  Museums can also be found almost everywhere in the city.  Old palazzos are constantly converted into exhibits displaying everything from modern art to the history of Venice. Two traditional Venetian festivals, which had fallen out of practice, were revived in the 1970s in an effort to lure in tourist cash.  The infamous Carnival, with its colorful masks is celebrated from Boxing Day until the beginning of Lent.  The ritual of the Wedding of the Sea was also revived.  It was first celebrated in 1177 to commemorate and acknowledge Venice’s “intimate” relation with the sea.