A shimmering green liquid in the famous Canale Grande causes a stir in Venice. On Sunday, the water near the Rialto Bridge suddenly glowed green. At first there was no explanation for this. The Italian fire brigade announced that, together with the environmental protection agency Arpa, they had taken samples and were examining them. The Venice Prefect immediately called an emergency meeting with the police to investigate the incident.
The environmental agency published its first results in the evening. Accordingly, the experts believe that the glow from the substance fluorescein could originate, which is commonly used to test the integrity of sewers. Initial investigations have shown that the liquid does not pose any danger to the environment. Further laboratory tests are to be carried out on Monday.
Some Venetians recalled 1968 when artist Nicolás Garcia Uriburu from Argentina colored the water of the city’s central canal green to indicate water pollution. Because recently in Italy more and more climate protectors with color campaigns attracted attention, there were also suspicions that this could be such a protest – but initially no group acknowledged it.
On Pentecost Sunday, the traditional Vogalonga regatta took place in Venice, in which rowing boats, canoes and gondolas take part. It was launched in 1974 as a protest against motor boats.