The picturesque canals of Venice are set to become a battleground as activists prepare to protest against the upcoming visit of the US Ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta. The occasion is his 117-metre superyacht, 'Boardwalk', which is due to dock in the lagoon city on 17 July, coinciding with one of Venice's most treasured annual events: the Festa del Redentore.
The festival commemorates the end of a devastating 16th-century bubonic plague epidemic and features a spectacular fireworks display, as well as a temporary floating bridge allowing residents to walk to the Redentore church on Giudecca island. However, local demonstrators are concerned that Ambassador Fertitta's superyacht could obstruct views and detract from the traditional celebrations.
Stella Faye, a 28-year-old researcher and activist, stated at a recent meeting of around 40 demonstrators, "We ruined the party for Jeff Bezos’s wedding last year – this year let’s ruin the ambassador’s tour!" The activists fear that the yacht, reportedly worth $450m and equipped with two helipads and two swimming pools, could compromise public safety during the crowded festival. Suggested docking locations, according to Venezia Terminal Passeggeri, include areas off Punta della Dogana or Riva dei Sette Martiri, both popular viewing spots for the Redentore fireworks.
Giulia Cacopardo, a 29-year-old activist and cultural coordinator, criticised the potential visit, describing it as "a slap in the face for Venetians." She highlighted concerns about the city's quality of life, precarious job market, and lack of affordable housing, contrasting it with the perceived 'arrogance of money' displayed by billionaires. Protesters also raised safety issues, suggesting that local police resources might be diverted to protect the ambassador and manage boat traffic around the yacht.
The protest group has adopted the slogan "Venezia non si USA" (Stop using Venice), a play on words that also references the United States. Beyond the immediate impact on the Redentore festival, activists have cited Ambassador Fertitta's association with what they term the "warmongering and colonialist" Trump administration as a key motivator for their ire. Fertitta, an entertainment mogul with an estimated net worth of $14.2bn and owner of the NBA team Houston Rockets, has also contributed to Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.