The extravagant wedding festivities of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and TV host Lauren Sanchez culminated in a grand gala in Venice, drawing notable celebrities to the city. However, this opulence has been met with dissent from local residents and activists, who gathered to voice their concerns against over-tourism and climate change.
Protests erupted as locals adorned the famous Rialto Bridge with a “no space for Bezos” banner and ignited colorful flares, while ultimately aborting plans to disrupt the wedding guests. Bezos, spotted at Harry’s Bar, playfully responded to inquiries about the protests, while officials defended the event as a boon for Venice’s tourism economy.
City councillors, including Simone Venturini, promoted the idea that such high-profile weddings could invigorate the local marriage sector despite the backlash. Critics, like Extinction Rebellion’s Paola, lamented the wastefulness of billionaire arrivals, claiming they exacerbate the city’s troubles with pollution and overtourism.
As Italian media buzz over the celebrity-studded affair, recounting lavish details such as the bride’s vintage-inspired gown, the anticipated disruption appeared subdued. While a planned protest marched forward, Venice’s charm remained intact with plenty of gondolas still available for tourists.
However, the plight of long-time residents like Roberto Zanon reflects an underlying issue—an evolving Venice grappling with the effects of mass tourism, as tighter control measures, such as day passes for visitors, are put in place to manage the influx.
Source: www.bbc.com
