A strange fluorescent green color invaded the waters of the Grand Canal in Venice this Sunday. Italian local authorities urgently called a meeting with the police to investigate the origin of the liquid.
A section of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, turned fluorescent green on Sunday, May 28, prompting police to investigate amid speculation of action by environmental activists.
The color change was reported by locals, according to Veneto region president Luca Zaia on Twitter. “The prefect has called an urgent meeting with the police to investigate the origin of the liquid,” he added.
??? Stamattina nel #CanalGrande said #Venezia è apparsa una chiazza di liquido phosphorescent green, segnalata da alcuni residenti all’altezza del Ponte di Rialto.
Il prefetto ha convocato una riunione urgente con le forze di polizia pour deepen l’origine del liquido. pic.twitter.com/te0JVCfodQ—Luca Zaia (@zaiapresidente) May 28, 2023
According to the local daily La Nuova Venezia, the police are investigating whether climate change activists could be behind the phenomenon. The firefighters announced that they would help the regional environmental protection agency to take samples for analysis.
It is not the first time that the Grand Canal has turned green. In 1968, Argentinian artist Nicolas Garcia Uriburu dyed his waters green using a fluorescent dye during the 34e Venice Biennale, as part of an action to raise awareness of ecology.
Gondola sailing on fluorescent green water as it passes under the Rialto Bridge in Venice.
The fluorescent green water of the Grand Canal in Venice, this Sunday.