This is Venice's most important festival. It takes place on the evening of the third Saturday in July and commemorates the end of the 16th-century plague. The Redentore church in the Giudecca was also built to celebrate this event. The Genio Pontieri Company builds a bridge of boats across the Giudecca canal so that people can reach the island on foot. During the night Venetians picnic on roast duck, watermelon, wine, and various sweets and wait for midnight when the fireworks display takes place. Watching the sunrise from the beach is a romantic finale. Free admission.