Currently planning a trip to Venice for next year and the dates we have picked have us in Venice on St. Mark's day (Apr 25th)
I have read they celebrate with public parties, concerts, and gondola races
I wanted to see if anyone here had been there for this event before and how that was for a tourist
Were the locals accepting of outsiders at the events?
Any restaurants open?
Did any of the sites, museums, or galleries open?
Thank you in advance to anyone who replies!
Even a larger national holiday is the exact same day, Liberation Day( from the Facists and Nazis) Many Italians have the day off and it seemed as they all arrived in Venice! It was totally mobbed. It is their country and of course they have the right to celebrate but not pleasant to a visitor that day. Restaurants were open but I suggest staying in one of the neighborhoods that day. Check websites for museums holiday closures.
Were the locals accepting of outsiders at the events?
I am not sure I understand what you mean with "accepting", but there are 10 tourists for each venetian living in the historic center. Those who couldn't accept tourists moved to the mainland many years ago. The few remaining ones will either welcome or ignore you.
Any restaurants open?
It's both a national and a venetian holyday, nobody living on tourism can afford to stay closed when there are hordes of tourists coming from all over Italy. Especially after 2 years of reduced revenues.
Note that In 2022 Easter falls on April 17, half of Italy will be on vacation either between the 18th and the 25th of April or between the 25th and the 1st of May.
We lived in Germany from 87-91 and went to Venice for a weekend in the Spring. There was a festival going on with gondola races, people in ancient clothes and much going on. However, it was extremely, extremely crowded. Fortunately, we had opted to stay in a nearby US military base and take the train into the city. There was no lodging available in the city, we were told.
I would not recommend going at that time.
