Protests Erupt in Venice Ahead of Jeff Bezos’s Lavish Wedding Celebration

Venice is facing a wave of public backlash as billionaire Jeff Bezos and fiancée Lauren Sánchez prepare for their extravagant wedding celebration in the historic city. The three-day affair, reportedly costing between €40–48 million, is expected to host around 200 high-profile guests, including global celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Katy Perry.

Local activists, however, are pushing back. Protesters under the banner “No Space for Bezos” have staged demonstrations across the city, unfurling banners on landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and San Giorgio Maggiore. Their message is clear: Venice is not a private playground for the ultra-wealthy. They accuse Bezos of turning the city into his “private ballroom” and plan to disrupt the event through canal blockades and marches.

The discontent stems from deeper, long-standing issues. Residents have voiced concerns over overtourism, gentrification and the commercialization of public spaces. Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has grappled with a shrinking population, surging living costs, and the strain of accommodating luxury events that many feel serve outsiders more than locals.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have also joined the protests, highlighting concerns over emissions from luxury yachts and criticizing Amazon’s tax practices in Europe.

In response, Venice’s mayor Luigi Brugnaro defended the celebration, describing Venice as a “global stage” that welcomes events of this scale. He assured the public that only 200 guests are invited and that efforts have been made to minimize disruptions to city services, including ensuring the continuity of water taxis and canal traffic.

The wedding is also expected to highlight Venice’s artisan community. Reports indicate that 80% of event provisions will be sourced locally, from Murano glassware to traditional Venetian pastries, in an effort to include local businesses in the festivities.

Despite these measures, the mood remains tense. With protesters vowing to disrupt the celebrations, Bezos’s wedding may become more than just a high-society affair, it may well symbolize a city at odds with the forces of wealth, tourism and cultural preservation.