Venezia transforms iconic canals into floating theatre for Serie A promotion festivities

The Serie B title holders clinched a place in Italys premier division with one match left after a 2-2 tie at Spezia on May 1, then locked in the championship on Friday via a 2-0 victory at home against Palermo. This outcome ensured a quick comeback to Serie A following a single season out.

Team members and personnel made their way along the waterways in a leading gondola, joined by a fleet of fans packing rowing boats and personal craft, holding up banners and launching coloured smoke.

With the copper topped Church of San Simeon Piccolo providing the setting, the water was scarcely seen under the cluster of vessels, as supporters wrapped in the teams three colours filled the channels while locals observed from verandas of adjacent grand residences.

The revelry reached its height at Piazza San Marco, where the players showed off the Serie B trophy to a packed audience before the Doges Palace, and the party is anticipated to carry on well into the evening.

Venezia wrapped up the season one point clear of Frosinone, who also earned ascent to Serie A.