Deputy Venice Mayor Simone Venturini acknowledged the city’s experience in managing high-profile events, including weddings, summits, and visits from global leaders like Pope Francis. He referenced the glamorous 2014 wedding of actor George Clooney and human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, where crowds gathered along the canals of Venice. However, he noted that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ upcoming wedding would not be legal under Italian law unless conducted in an official venue like City Hall, leading to speculation that the couple may have already married legally in the U.S.
While Venturini expressed excitement about the event, sentiment in Venice is not universally positive. Protests have emerged against Bezos’ presence, with demonstrators displaying banners that read “No Space for Bezos,” a nod to his space exploration venture, Blue Origin. Various Venetian groups, including anti-cruise ship activists and housing advocates, have united to voice their objections. Greenpeace joined the protests, showcasing a large tarp in St. Mark’s Square featuring a smiling Bezos and the message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more taxes.”
These protests reflect broader concerns about wealth inequality and the impact of wealthy individuals on local communities. While some citizens celebrate the attention brought by high-profile events, others critique the socio-economic implications of hosting such figures in a historic city like Venice. Overall, the juxtaposition of celebrity glamour against grassroots activism reveals the complex dynamics at play in the iconic setting of Venice as it prepares for Bezos’ wedding.
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