For almost four centuries in Venice, one of the pivotal events in the serene calendar has been celebrated—an event still deeply cherished by Venetians from the water and the mainland, who rarely miss the mass gathering to venerate the Byzantine icon of Mesopanditissa. This icon miraculously saved Venice from a terrible plague in 1630/31. It is the quintessential popular festival, marked by indispensable moments such as the visit to the Basilica of Health, crossing the votive bridge of boats over the Grand Canal, the lighting of a candle in honor of the Madonna delle Grazie icon, and the fusion of the sacred and the secular. As a customary rule, the culinary aspect takes center stage, with crispy sweets and castradina (a dish made with smoked mutton) serving as obligatory stops in a day etched into the hearts of Venetians.