For nearly four centuries, Venice has been celebrating one of the topical events of the Serenissimo calendar, still very much felt by Venetians of water and mainland who hardly miss the mass appointment to venerate the Byzantine icon of Mesopanditissa, who miraculously saved Venice from a terrible plague in 1630/31. It is the popular festival par excellence, punctuated by must-see moments such as a visit to the Basilica della Salute by walking across the votive bridge of boats that crosses the Grand Canal, the lighting of a candle in honor of the icon of the Madonna delle Grazie, and the union of the sacred and the profane that as a good rule sees the culinary aspect at the center, with the crispy sweet and the castradina (a dish made with smoked mutton) serving as obligatory stops on a day carved into the hearts of Venetians.
