22.11.2026 Performance artistica "A Human Wave Against Gender Violence"

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established by the United Nations in 1999, on Sunday, November 22, 2026, the artistic performance "A Human Wave Against Gender Violence" will take place in Riva dei Sette Martiri, Venice, as an official event of "Novembre Donna". The initiative was conceived by artist Elena Tagliapietra, in collaboration with the Department for Women's Citizenship and Equal Opportunities of the Municipality of Venice, the Anti-Violence Center of the Municipality of Venice, and Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice.

The first edition of the Human Wave Against Gender Violence, held on November 24, 2024, in Campo Santa Maria Formosa in Venice on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Anti-Violence Center of the Municipality of Venice, brought together hundreds of people in the creation of a large collective human wave against gender-based violence: an artistic gesture and, at the same time, a shared civic and visual statement.

This year as well, the aim of the event is to raise awareness of the issue and of what has been done, is being done, and can still be done to combat violence against women. In addition, the participatory artistic performance seeks to engage citizens in the creation of a living work of art and to convey a powerful message of resistance and solidarity. Europe Direct Venezia Veneto of the Municipality of Venice will be present at the event, reinforcing the message that combating gender-based violence is a shared responsibility that extends beyond national borders. The performance is therefore framed within the core values of the European Union: human dignity, equality, protection of fundamental rights, and the fight against gender-based violence.

→ The initiative is free of charge and open to all citizens upon registration at the following link. Participants are encouraged, where possible, to wear clothing in shades of light blue or bright blue; alternatively, colored fabrics will be provided.

Arrival is scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., while the performance will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will consist of the formation of a human river simulating waves of resistance against violence.

In addition, writer Alberto Toso Fei is collaborating on the event by providing historical insight into Venetian women who, as early as the 16th century, paved the way for women's emancipation. Their legacy affirmed that women are masters of their own destiny, promoted the right to education as a tool of emancipation and self-defense, and advocated for the right to work as a form of independence. Production is by ASD Palextra, while video direction, graphic design, drone filming, and photography are overseen respectively by Dario Beltrame, Greta Lamiel, Alessandro Mizar Vianello, and Daniele Fregonese.

• FREE REGISTRATION LINK
• VIEW THE "NOVEMBRE DONNA" PROGRAM FEATURING INITIATIVES ORGANIZED BY THE MUNICALITY OF VENICE
• VISIT THE DEDICATED "NOVEMBRE DONNA" PAGE ON THE MUNICIPALITY OF VENICE WEBSITE
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Some photos from the previous event: