Venice’s iconic canals became a floating celebration zone this weekend as Venezia FC marked their return to Italy’s top flight with a spectacular gondola parade. The historic club clinched promotion to Serie A, sending waves of excitement through the city’s winding waterways.

The celebration was pure Venetian flair: players, staff, and fans packed onto traditional gondolas, weaving through the Grand Canal while waving flags and hoisting the promotion trophy high above the water. Defender Michael Svoboda was spotted clutching the silverware as teammates cheered from surrounding boats, creating a scene straight out of a sports movie.

For Venezia, this promotion represents more than just a step up in competition. The club, known for its distinctive orange and black kits and unique stadium setting, has been on a remarkable journey. After years in the lower divisions, they’ve fought their way back to Serie A with determination and style.

The gondola parade is a tradition that only Venice can pull off. While most clubs celebrate with bus parades or stadium fireworks, Venezia takes to the water—turning their city’s natural beauty into the ultimate victory lap. Fans lined the bridges and canals, many draped in club scarves and jerseys, adding their voices to the chorus of celebration.

This promotion puts Venezia back on the map of Italian soccer, and if their celebrations are any indication, they’re ready to make waves in Serie A. For fans and players alike, Saturday was a reminder that in soccer, the journey is just as special as the destination—especially when it comes with a gondola ride through one of the world’s most beautiful cities.