Venetian authorities are investigating a neon green patch of water that recently appeared in the famous Grand Canal. The city was in an uproar after locals near the Rialto Bridge reported the appearance of a fluorescent liquid early on Sunday morning, causing many to wonder what caused the unusual coloring. The Veneto regional president, Luca Zaia, tweeted about the issue, stating that the prefect has called an urgent meeting with the police to examine the situation and investigate further.
Reports confirmed that the verdant blob first appeared around 9:30 am CET (3.30aET) and grew ever so slowly, as social media images showed gondolas, water taxis, and water bus boats navigating their way through the vibrant green hue. Despite the most central waterway, the Grand Canal stretches over 3,800 meters (over 2 miles) long and is typically bustling with activity every day.
The Venetian prefect spokesperson claimed that authorities immediately took water samples, surveyed CCTV footage, and interviewed local boat pilots and drivers, searching for any signs pointing to the culprit that was responsible for the unaesthetic coloring. Still, none of the environmental groups claimed responsibility for the strange green water origin.
One likely suspect for the canal's sudden color shift is environmental activists in Italy, who have been attacking historical and cultural sites in recent months.
The Italian fire brigade responded to the situation on Twitter, stating that they were helping to provide "samples and technical assistance" to the ARPA Veneto, the organization that supervises the canal and whose scientists are examining the water to determine what substance had been used to color it. While various theories have surfaced, including illegal substance dispersion or algae, the canal authorities have yet to determine a clear diagnosis.
The Grand Canal has experienced changes of color in the past. During the annual Venice Biennale in 1968, a luminous dye called Fluorescein was used to turn the waterway green by the Argentine artist Nicolás García Uriburu. The intention was to draw attention to ecological issues and the connection between civilization and nature.
Despite the canal's recent change in color, the city continues to celebrate the Vogalonga boat event, designed to combat wave motion, Venetian traditions, and promote environmental awareness and nature. It's alongside the architecture Biennale that opened last weekend.