As per reports, activists and community groups in Venice and across the Veneto region have announced a protest on 17 July against the planned visit of US Ambassador to Italy Tilman J Fertitta, who is expected to arrive in Venice aboard his 117-metre private yacht, Boardwalk, as part of his ‘Coastal Diplomacy 250′ tour commemorating the 250th anniversary of the independence of the US and strengthening Italy–US relations.
• The ambassador is expected to visit Venice during the Redentore Festival, one of the city’s most significant annual public celebrations.
• The demonstration is being organised by the citizens’ initiative Laboratorio Occupato Morion together with other activist groups from Venice and northeastern Italy.
• Organisers have called for a large public mobilisation, with participants expected to gather on 17 July in opposition to what they describe as the use of Venice by wealthy individuals during one of the city’s most important traditional festivals.
• Protest organisers have drawn comparisons with demonstrations held during the visit of entrepreneur Jeff Bezos in 2025 and have indicated their intention to disrupt Ambassador Fertitta’s visit.
• The ambassador’s yacht is expected to seek berthing at either Zattere or Riva dei Sette Martiri, although the final docking location has not been confirmed.
• Activists argue that docking such a large vessel in central Venice during the Redentore celebrations could affect public access and create public order challenges because of the large crowds expected for the festival.
