Venice residents protest against disruption caused by Jeff Bezos’s wedding

Tensions are mounting in Venice ahead of the upcoming wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, as residents and activist groups prepare protests over the disruption of the city for the high-profile event. 

The lavish celebration, expected to attract hundreds of celebrity guests and occupy a large part of the historic city, has sparked concerns about the ongoing commodification of Venice and its prioritisation of tourism over local life.

Between 23 and 28 June, the billionaire Amazon founder and his fiancée are expected to take over the island of San Giorgio, opposite St Mark’s Square, for their multi-million-dollar nuptials. 

Reports suggest nearly every luxury hotel in the area has been booked out, along with many of the city’s water taxis. 

The guest list is rumoured to include celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry, and members of the Trump family, while many guests will stay aboard Bezos’ yachts.

In response, local activists affiliated with the "No Space for Bezos" movement have launched a campaign of peaceful protest. The group, made up of various local collectives, argues that the event epitomises the exploitation of Venice as a backdrop for elite events, while residents struggle with a housing crisis and an economy increasingly reliant on mass tourism.

Activists recently displayed banners from city landmarks and plan to stage further actions during the wedding week. These include disruptions such as swimming in canals to hinder boat traffic and blocking narrow alleyways to draw attention to their cause.

Concerns have also been raised about the broader effects of luxury tourism in Venice. Local groups note a dramatic population decline, with residents now numbering fewer than 49,000 - down from 175,000 in 1950. 

Many former homes have been turned into holiday rentals, pushing locals out of the housing market.

Although the city introduced a day-tripper fee in 2023 to manage overcrowding, critics argue it has done little to ease the pressure on Venice’s fragile infrastructure.

While officials defend events like Bezos’ wedding as beneficial for the local economy, opposition voices continue to call for a shift towards policies that support residents over tourists. 

Organisers say their aim is not to oppose tourism altogether, but to protest the unchecked use of Venice as a playground for the ultra-rich.

IOL Travel