With a lavish wedding celebration unfolding in Venice, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and television presenter Lauren Sanchez have become the focal point not just for luxury, but also for local dissent. A grand gala is set to wrap up the festivities on Saturday evening, as numerous high-profile guests prepare to board water taxis from plush hotels. However, their arrivals have also sparked protests from Venetians who express diverse grievances, ranging from the issue of over-tourism to climate change and capitalism concerns.
On Saturday, protesters flowed through the streets of Venice, unfurling a "#NoSpaceForBezos" banner from the iconic Rialto bridge and igniting colorful flares in a desperate display of dissent. While a planned waterway blockade using inflatable crocodiles was nixed, the visible unrest made headlines. When approached about the protests, Bezos was seen blowing kisses to onlookers, seemingly unfazed.
City officials, however, defended the event vehemently. Simone Venturini, the deputy mayor, dismissed the demonstrations, labeling the protesters as "narcissists," and advocated for what he referred to as "high-quality tourism" that the wedding could bring to the city. Venturini assured that Venice wouldn’t act as a moral police, allowing anyone the freedom to marry.
Interestingly, the wave of protest seems to have resulted in some alterations to the wedding plans, with the gala's venue shifted further away for security measures, now located at the Arsenale, which is easier to secure. Activists from Extinction Rebellion voiced strong concerns, highlighting the city's transformation into what they refer to as "an amusement park" due to such events, raising questions about environmental pollution from private jets utilized by the elite.
Amidst the outward glitz and media coverage declaring this a “wedding of the year,” Venice feels the effects of both celebrity glamour and the undercurrents of local resentment. Notable names, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian, have landed in the city. The wedding's culinary offerings have become a talking point, fuelled by images of a white lace gown reminiscent of a bygone era.
Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story for some locals. The anxiety surrounding gentrification is palpable, with events like Bezos's wedding sparking fears of forcing native Venetians out of their cherished homes. Police patrols checking for mandatory day passes around tourist zones indicate that the city's crowdedness is a genuine concern.
Roberto Zanon, a lifelong Venetian now facing eviction due to real estate sold to developers, poignantly articulates his dilemma — unable to compete with wealthier tourists, he laments the loss of a community. However, he finds value in hosting such globally recognized events, believing it honors Venice's identity. Others, like shopkeeper Leda, argue for more high-value visitors to counteract low-spending, casual tourism that dilutes the city's enchantment.
In the aftermath of the wedding, key figures await to see the implications of this high-profile occasion, where Bezos reportedly donated about three million euros toward initiatives aimed at putting safeguards in place for Venice. Activists, however, contend that in the grand scheme of his wealth, this contribution is minimal, as discussions continue on what truly remains when the celebrities pack up and depart.
On Saturday, protesters flowed through the streets of Venice, unfurling a "#NoSpaceForBezos" banner from the iconic Rialto bridge and igniting colorful flares in a desperate display of dissent. While a planned waterway blockade using inflatable crocodiles was nixed, the visible unrest made headlines. When approached about the protests, Bezos was seen blowing kisses to onlookers, seemingly unfazed.
City officials, however, defended the event vehemently. Simone Venturini, the deputy mayor, dismissed the demonstrations, labeling the protesters as "narcissists," and advocated for what he referred to as "high-quality tourism" that the wedding could bring to the city. Venturini assured that Venice wouldn’t act as a moral police, allowing anyone the freedom to marry.
Interestingly, the wave of protest seems to have resulted in some alterations to the wedding plans, with the gala's venue shifted further away for security measures, now located at the Arsenale, which is easier to secure. Activists from Extinction Rebellion voiced strong concerns, highlighting the city's transformation into what they refer to as "an amusement park" due to such events, raising questions about environmental pollution from private jets utilized by the elite.
Amidst the outward glitz and media coverage declaring this a “wedding of the year,” Venice feels the effects of both celebrity glamour and the undercurrents of local resentment. Notable names, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian, have landed in the city. The wedding's culinary offerings have become a talking point, fuelled by images of a white lace gown reminiscent of a bygone era.
Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story for some locals. The anxiety surrounding gentrification is palpable, with events like Bezos's wedding sparking fears of forcing native Venetians out of their cherished homes. Police patrols checking for mandatory day passes around tourist zones indicate that the city's crowdedness is a genuine concern.
Roberto Zanon, a lifelong Venetian now facing eviction due to real estate sold to developers, poignantly articulates his dilemma — unable to compete with wealthier tourists, he laments the loss of a community. However, he finds value in hosting such globally recognized events, believing it honors Venice's identity. Others, like shopkeeper Leda, argue for more high-value visitors to counteract low-spending, casual tourism that dilutes the city's enchantment.
In the aftermath of the wedding, key figures await to see the implications of this high-profile occasion, where Bezos reportedly donated about three million euros toward initiatives aimed at putting safeguards in place for Venice. Activists, however, contend that in the grand scheme of his wealth, this contribution is minimal, as discussions continue on what truly remains when the celebrities pack up and depart.
