Venice, Italy, (EFE).- Celebrations for the highly anticipated and controversial wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and former news anchor Lauren Sánchez officially began Thursday in Venice. The three-day event, shrouded in secrecy, is expected to draw dozens of A-list celebrities and has already sparked protests from environmentalists and residents.
The first official gathering reportedly took place in the cloister of the Madonna dell’Orto church, a site heavily guarded by police, private security, and catering staff.
While the couple has remained silent on the details, local authorities issued a pedestrian restriction near the church on Thursday evening, widely interpreted as a confirmation of the wedding activities.
Originally scheduled to take place at the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, the main ceremony has allegedly been moved to the Arsenate, a more secure and private venue better suited for high-profile guests like Kim Kardashian, Orlando Bloom, and Ivanka Trump.
Local media also report expected appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Shakira, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Elton John.
Venice residents push back
Despite the couple’s donation of around 3.5 million dollars to Venice-based organizations, the event has drawn sharp criticism from residents and activists.
On Thursday, activists unfurled banners in St. Mark’s Square and staged a performance protest. Two demonstrators dressed as bride and groom with Venetian masks climbed pedestals while others attempted to scale flagpoles before being detained by police.
One larger banner by Greenpeace read: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more taxes.”
“Bezos represents the type of economy that has emptied the city of residents,” said Marta Sottoriva, spokesperson for the group No Space For Bezos. “Venice is turning into a theme park for the super-rich.”
The population of the city has declined 7% since 2017, mirroring the rise in tourist accommodations, according to the local Civic Observatory.
The group is planning a major demonstration for Saturday, with a march starting at Santa Lucia Station and symbolic blockades near wedding venues.
Authorities downplay the impact
Venetian authorities have tried to minimize the backlash. “It’s just another wedding, a private event in private space,” said Simone Venturini, Venice’s Tourism Councillor, in a statement to EFE. “If no one had announced the protests, nobody would’ve noticed.”
Venturini warned that demonstrations could harm the city’s image and disturb residents if police intervention becomes necessary.
However, the event is expected to generate millions in luxury hospitality revenue, though critics argue most profits will be concentrated among a few elites.
Meanwhile, regional governor Luca Zaia praised Bezos and Sánchez’s donation to local institutions, including Corila (a scientific and environmental consortium), Venice International University, and UNESCO’s local office.
“Their extraordinary generosity deserves appreciation,” Zaia said. “I hope this spark between Bezos and Venice turns into a lasting commitment.” EFE
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