Su e Zo per i Ponti Venice 2026: The Walk That Unites Venice | Tour Leader Venice
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Some events are about spectacle. Others are about meaning.
The Su e Zo per i Ponti di Venezia belongs firmly to the second category. On April 12, 2026, Venice will once again open her bridges, squares, and hidden corners to thousands of people who come not to rush, not to conquer, but to walk — together.
Young and old. Families and schools. Sports groups, volunteers, associations, longtime Venetians and first-time visitors. All united by a simple yet powerful idea: discovering Venice through friendship, solidarity, and respect.
This is not a race. It is not a competition. It is a shared journey through the living body of the city — step by step, bridge by bridge.
What Is Su e Zo per i Ponti
Literally translated, Su e Zo per i Ponti means “Up and Down the Bridges.” And there is no more fitting name for an event that invites participants to cross Venice as it was meant to be experienced: on foot, at human pace.
Every spring, this historic solidarity walk transforms Venice into a welcoming, joyful labyrinth. Thousands of participants follow different routes that wind through lesser-known neighborhoods as well as iconic landmarks, revealing a Venice that feels authentic, approachable, and alive.
The walk is designed to promote:
- Social connection and inclusion
- Sustainable, respectful tourism
- Solidarity and educational support
- A deeper understanding of Venice’s urban fabric
In a city often associated with overtourism, Su e Zo represents a different vision — one based on care, community, and shared responsibility.
Venice Discovered Step by Step
Walking in Venice is not simply a way of moving. It is a way of understanding.
During Su e Zo per i Ponti, participants are guided through routes that balance discovery and familiarity. You may find yourself crossing a quiet bridge in a residential district, then emerging into a campo filled with music and color, before continuing toward a place that has made Venice famous around the world.
This rhythm — intimate and monumental, local and universal — is Venice’s true essence.
The event encourages participants to look beyond the postcard image and engage with the city as a living organism, made of stories, traditions, and everyday life.
For those who fall in love with this slower, more conscious way of exploring, a private Venice orientation tour is often the natural next step — offering historical context, local insight, and hidden corners well beyond the event itself.
Discover Venice with a Local Guide
The Heart of the Event: Solidarity
From its very first edition, Su e Zo per i Ponti has been deeply rooted in solidarity.
Part of the proceeds from the event is dedicated to supporting social and educational initiatives, with special attention to local schools and Salesian missions around the world.
This charitable dimension is not an add-on — it is the foundation.
Participants know that every step they take contributes to something larger: education, opportunity, and support for communities both near and far.
In this way, the walk becomes a gesture of shared responsibility, linking Venice to a global network of solidarity.
A Celebration of Participation
What makes Su e Zo per i Ponti extraordinary is not only the number of participants, but their diversity.
The event brings together:
- Families with children
- School groups and educators
- Sports associations
- Volunteer organizations
- Young people and seniors
This diversity creates a unique atmosphere — one of openness, curiosity, and shared purpose.
There is no hierarchy on the bridges of Venice that day. Everyone walks at their own pace, helping one another, smiling at strangers, sharing moments that feel unexpectedly meaningful.
A City in Celebration
Su e Zo per i Ponti is also, quite simply, a celebration.
Throughout the routes, traditional folk groups perform in Piazza San Marco and in campos along the way. Music, costumes, colors, and rhythms fill the air, turning the city into a living festival.
This multicultural presence reflects one of Venice’s oldest identities: a city shaped by encounters, exchanges, and the meeting of different worlds.
For many participants, these sounds and images become lasting memories — moments that define their relationship with Venice long after the walk ends.
Program: Su e Zo per i Ponti 2026
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- 08:30 – Holy Mass (location to be confirmed)
- 09:30 – 10:30 – Start of the walks, according to selected time slot
- 13:00 – Special awards for the largest groups in Piazza San Marco
- 15:00 – Official closing of the event
Routes
- Complete route: 12 km, 49 bridges – departure from Piazza San Marco
- Short route: 5.7 km, 18 bridges – departure from the Port of Venice
Participants must respect their chosen time slot to avoid crowding. The event takes place regardless of weather conditions.
Please note that for April 12, 2026, the Venice access contribution applies. Official information is available on the Municipality of Venice website.
A Walk With a Long History
The first Su e Zo per i Ponti took place in 1975, promoted by TGS Eurogroup and Venetiadi, later joined by several associations connected to education and youth engagement.
From the beginning, participation exceeded expectations. What started with 1,750 participants quickly grew, reaching peaks of over 19,000 in the early editions.
The founding spirit was clear: encourage group participation, highlight youth involvement, and create a shared experience based on values rather than competition.
Over more than forty-five years, Su e Zo has remained faithful to its origins while evolving with the city.
Today, the event welcomes an average of 7,000 to 8,000 participants each year, supported by more than 350 volunteers who manage refreshment points and route assistance.
Folk Groups and Cultural Identity
A defining feature of Su e Zo per i Ponti is the presence of folk groups.
Through costumes, music, and performances, these groups bring a festive, multicultural tone to the event, echoing Venice’s historic role as a crossroads of cultures.
Participants are invited to identify with Venetian traditions while remaining open to diversity — a balance that has always defined the city.
In this sense, Su e Zo is not just a walk through Venice, but a lesson in coexistence and cultural dialogue.
Recognized by the City
The Municipality of Venice now considers Su e Zo per i Ponti one of the city’s most significant annual events, alongside historic celebrations such as:
- The Festa del Redentore
- The Regata Storica
- The Venice Carnival
- The Venice Marathon
Public institutions, private companies, and local organizations contribute to making the event possible, ensuring that it remains accessible, safe, and meaningful.
Experiencing Venice Responsibly
Su e Zo per i Ponti embodies a vision of tourism that is increasingly important for Venice’s future.
It promotes:
- Slow movement through the city
- Respect for residents and spaces
- Education through experience
- Community-driven participation
For travelers who feel inspired by this approach, Venice offers many ways to continue exploring responsibly — from walking tours focused on local life to lagoon experiences that reveal the city’s fragile ecosystem.
A private lagoon tour, for example, provides a completely different perspective on Venice, connecting the city’s bridges to the water that sustains them.
Explore the Venetian Lagoon Privately
Why This Event Matters Today
In an era of fast travel and quick consumption, Su e Zo per i Ponti reminds us of something essential: cities are not products, and experiences are not trophies.
Venice, more than any other city, needs visitors who walk gently, listen carefully, and engage thoughtfully.
This event shows that it is possible — and joyful — to experience Venice in a way that benefits everyone involved.
Why Choose Tour Leader Venice
At Tour Leader Venice, we believe that meaningful travel begins with understanding.
Our work is rooted in the same values that inspire Su e Zo per i Ponti:
- Respect for the city and its residents
- Education through storytelling
- Private, human-scale experiences
- Licensed local expertise
Whether you are visiting Venice for an event, a celebration, or simple curiosity, we help you experience the city with depth, elegance, and care.
Plan Your Venice Experience With Us
FAQs
What is Su e Zo per i Ponti?
Su e Zo per i Ponti is an annual solidarity walk in Venice that brings together families, schools, and groups to explore the city on foot while supporting social and educational causes.
Is Su e Zo per i Ponti suitable for visitors?
Yes. Visitors are welcome and often find it a meaningful way to experience Venice at a slower pace while connecting with the local community.
How can I explore Venice beyond the event?
Private walking tours, lagoon experiences, and locally guided itineraries allow you to continue discovering Venice in a responsible and enriching way.
