Venice Activists Plan Protests Against Bezos Wedding, Threaten Canal Blockades

Jeff Bezos's upcoming wedding in Venice, scheduled between June 24 and 28, has sparked significant protests and backlash from local activists and residents. The 'No Space for Bezos' collective, along with other Venetian groups, argue that the event exemplifies the exploitation of Venice by wealthy outsiders, turning the city into a playground for the rich and undermining the community's needs. Protesters have staged demonstrations including hanging banners on prominent landmarks, planning to block canals and streets, and disrupting festivities to oppose the lavish $10 million wedding, which involves extensive use of luxury venues and Bezos's superyacht. The protests criticize not only the environmental and social impact of the event but also the city's political leadership, accusing Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of prioritizing tourism and elite events over residents' well-being. Due to escalating protests, Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have postponed the wedding by a few days, highlighting the tension between preserving Venice's cultural heritage and accommodating high-profile celebrations. This controversy reflects broader local resistance to the transformation of Venice into a tourist spectacle at the expense of its inhabitants.