Venice by Venezia: LAGUNA FESTIVAL Ep. 01

The new music festival Laguna is set for its first full edition this weekend, with a two-day event that follows the success of its “zero date” held in May 2022.

On Saturday 1 October and Sunday 2 October, Laguna will present a lineup of artists of international renown, yet all are Italian, a choice made by the organizers to boost the national electronic scene, with performances on two stages at the grounds of Forte Marghera. The roster includes Whitemary and Enea Pascal set to make their first appearances in Venice along with local artists Fango and DJ Spiller, among others.

Laguna's goal is to bridge the gap with larger Italian cities Milan, Turin, and Bologna which host nationally recognized music festivals.

Ahead of “Laguna Ep. 01,” Venice by Venezia met with the festival’s architect Jacopo Lucano, who has already produced some of the best underground events organized in Venice in recent years.

What can you tell us about Laguna Festival?

Our event is still in its embryonic stage, but it’s one that aims to establish itself in Venice. Certainly, we have the desire to become a reference point for the entire Northeast of Italy, but it comes with the awareness that we have much to learn from other national events and beyond, to which we have been turning our gaze for years. A lot of work is needed to make this happen, but the way to get there is first and foremost to make people understand what the Laguna experience is and the manifestation of its idea onto the dance floor.

The lineup is obviously important, and it's something that we take care of to the smallest detail. What we’re calling a festival transcends its etymology; I would more properly define it as a 360-degree experience. From the attention to sound quality, to the sophisticated food and drink curated by Santi Group, everything follows the same common thread. Putting it into words is not easy, but I think those who were present at the zero date can understand what I am talking about.

How did the partnership with Venezia FC come about?

I am a Venetian and a Venezia FC fan, and I am in the Curva with my friends whenever I can, but the desire to collaborate arose from the fact that in recent years the club has become something that goes beyond football. I think Venezia FC represents a real cultural movement at the moment, where football and supporter culture meet art and fashion. Not something that follows a trend, but a demiurge of it. I also think the club has become a symbol of Venice in Italy and abroad. It goes without saying that being one of the institutions of excellence of the area, we wanted to put our project alongside it, with which I personally see many similarities.

Venice can be a difficult place to organize events. What do you hope for the city in this regard?

Our festival is found within the City of Venice's Città in Festa review, so as far as we’re concerned, we have received the institutions' support. When it comes to Venice’s historic center, the events, the nightlife, and everything related to this world, it turns out to be a rather delicate issue and one that would perhaps deserve more attention and a turnaround, so as not to risk looking at the freedom of the past as something lost.

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For more information and to purchase tickets, visit laguna.bdelivery.it. Follow Laguna on Instagram at @laguna.festival.