The romantic canals of Venice are bracing for an influx of global attention as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos prepares to marry journalist Lauren Sánchez in a multi-million-dollar ceremony. But as the city readies itself for the high-profile event, a wave of protests has swept through its historic streets and waterways. Local activists and residents are voicing strong opposition to the extravaganza, highlighting deep-rooted concerns about overtourism, the commodification of their city, and the growing disconnect between Venice’s daily life and its image as a playground for the global elite.
Overtourism and Local Displacement at the Heart of Anger:
Venice has always been a popular tourist destination because of its charming canals and Renaissance architecture. About 20 to 30 million tourists visit the city annually, which is far larger than the little over 50,000 locals that live in the old core. Although the city’s economy depends heavily on tourism, many Venetians contend that the constant stream of tourists has come at a high cost. Residents’ daily lives have become more challenging due to rising rents, local business closures, and the burden on infrastructure.
The announcement of Bezos’ wedding, scheduled to take place from June 23 to June 28 on the exclusive island of San Giorgio, has become a flashpoint for these frustrations. Reports indicate that nearly every luxury hotel and water taxi in the city has been booked for the event’s 200 high-profile guests, effectively shutting out locals and regular visitors. Protesters argue that such lavish events only exacerbate Venice’s overtourism crisis, pushing residents further to the margins and turning the city into a backdrop for the wealthy, rather than a living community.
“No Space for Bezos”: The Protest Movement Gains Momentum
A coalition of local activist groups, including the “No Space for Bezos” campaign, is organizing protests against Bezos’ wedding. Their message is obvious: Venice is more than just a tourist attraction or a resource for multimillionaires. Shows have displayed banners with phrases like “No Space for Bezos” and pictures of his space enterprise, Blue Origin, on famous locations like the Rialto Bridge and the bell tower of San Giorgio Basilica in the days before the wedding.
Activists have planned a series of actions to disrupt the wedding festivities, including blocking narrow streets, jumping into canals to obstruct water taxis, and staging sit-ins along key routes. Organizers emphasize that their protest is not just about one wedding, but about the broader trend of Venice being “sold off” to the highest bidder. They point to the city’s shrinking population, the closure of essential services, and the prioritization of luxury events over the needs of residents as evidence of a city losing its soul.
The Future of Venice: Balancing Tourism and Community
As the wedding approaches, the tension between Venice’s global allure and the needs of its residents is on full display. While some argue that high-profile events bring visibility and economic benefits, many locals remain unconvinced, pointing to the temporary nature of the jobs created and the long-term impact on their city’s character.
The protests around Jeff Bezos’ wedding are unlikely to halt the celebrations, but they have succeeded in drawing international attention to the challenges facing Venice. As banners wave and chants echo through the city’s narrow alleys, the message from many Venetians is clear: they want a future where their city is more than just a stage for the wealthy, but a vibrant community that values its people as much as its past.
