Residents push back against billionaire takeover of city center
Jeff Bezos has reportedly been forced to relocate part of his high-profile wedding celebrations in Venice after local activist groups threatened to block canals with inflatable crocodiles to prevent guests from arriving. The Amazon founder and fiancée Lauren Sanchez were originally expected to host a major party at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia, but plans were shifted following intense backlash.
The new location is the Arsenale, a fortified and more easily secured site with restricted public access. The decision comes amid security concerns linked to global tensions and the potential presence of Trump family members among the 250 invited guests.
Protesters declare a symbolic victory
Tommaso Cacciari, from the group No Space for Bezos, called the venue change “a big victory” for Venetians resisting what they describe as the commodification of their city. The group plans to proceed with demonstrations, accusing Bezos of contributing to over-tourism and displacement of locals.
“This is not just about a wedding,” Cacciari said. “It’s about reclaiming public space and pushing back against the privatization of our city by the ultra-wealthy.”
Rival factions clash over wedding’s impact
While protesters plan to disrupt the event, local business groups under the slogan “Yes Venice Can” have welcomed the celebration. Hoteliers and restaurant owners argue the wedding will inject tens of millions of euros into the local economy and promote Venice as a global destination.
“We cannot allow a noisy minority to discredit our image,” the group said in a statement. “Venice has always been a crossroads of cultures and famous guests.”
Security and luxury converge
Dozens of private jets are expected to land at Marco Polo airport, transporting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, and Elton John. Bezos and Sanchez hosted a pre-wedding foam party aboard the $500 million Koru superyacht off Croatia before entering the Venetian lagoon.
Activists from Greenpeace and the UK group Everyone Hates Elon unfurled a banner in St Mark’s Square reading: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”
Greenpeace’s Clara Thompson criticized the spectacle: “While Venice sinks under climate change, billionaires are partying like there’s no tomorrow.”
