Stories from Venice · Italy

Firefighters and divers responded to a report in a Venice lagoon shortly before 5:30 AM. A young man, possibly a North African migrant, was found dead in the water. Carabinieri from Venice are investigating the incident.

The book Women Musicians of Venice explores the history of female musicians in Venice, Italy, and Central Europe. The text notes that women musicians had a impact, involving approximately 300 individuals over several centuries.

Francesco Cavalli, a Venetian composer, was highly admired and taught several female composers, including Barbara Strozzi and Antonia Bembo. Venice was a center for music publishing in Europe, allowing female composers to publish their work.

Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas has died at the age of 81. He was a renowned figure in the classical music world. His death was reported by multiple sources across different locations. His passing was noted across multiple stations.

South Africa has stated it will not participate in the Biennale. This decision follows the invitation of Russia, despite its ongoing war, for the sake of international understanding.

An event in Venice is considered due to the large number of tourists it attracts.

May Day demonstrations in Italy focused on workers' rights and wage issues. Union leaders called for a system to annually revalue salaries during contract renewals, criticizing the government's recently approved labor decree.

Artist Guadalupe Maravilla reported being racially profiled by two police officers in Venice who demanded his documents. Maravilla is in Venice to install work for the Biennale.

Venezia has secured promotion to the top Italian football division with one matchday remaining in the season. Monza's loss to Mantova secured Venezia's return to the top Italian football league after one season in Serie B. Frosinone and Monza are competing for the second direct promotion spot.

An international art exhibition titled Veneza will run from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The installation at Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice will respond in real time to global seismic activity. A parallel program will be held at Galeria Zé dos Bois in Lisbon between June and November. The exhibition features multidisciplinary talent including architect and musician José Luís Tinoco. The project is described as an installation that responds to real-time seismic data.