Venice returns to the international spotlight for a weekend, transforming itself into the epicenter of global glamour.  The setting for this lavish spectacle is the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and journalist Lauren Sanchez. The extremely private celebrations began with an exclusive reception in the Renaissance cloister of the Madonna dell’Orto, in the Cannaregio district. Between private motorboats, anti-paparazzi sheets, and red zones that were secured as if for a diplomatic summit, approximately 200 carefully selected guests crossed the entrance to the location. Among them are well-known figures from the global jet set, such as Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Ivanka Trump, and Orlando Bloom, just to name a few. Bezos and Sanchez made a grand entrance, welcomed by a sea of onlookers and locals. He wore a classic suit, she appeared in a long golden gown with a bold cut. The venue, which has been turned into a luxury fortified citadel for the event, has kicked off a weekend full of fairytale opulence and unbelievable numbers. A €48 million wedding with record-breaking impact. According to Reuters, the entire wedding weekend might cost up to 48 million euros, with an unusual twist: the bride has prepared 27 different outfits for the event. Although it is a minor expenditure for Bezos, the economic impact on Venice is significant: it is estimated that the revenue could reach $40 million, including hotels, catering, logistics, and local suppliers. The finest facilities have been fully booked for days, and iconic venues like the Cini Foundation and the Arsenale have been reserved for private events. However, protests were not absent. In Piazza San Marco, activists conducted a flash mob against the party, holding up symbolic signs and slogans related to the Middle East situation. Some people attempted to climb the flagpoles in front of the Basilica, but were stopped by police. The "No Space for Bezos" collective has already announced further actions for the next few days. For security considerations, the main celebration has been relocated to a more remote site, possibly on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore or or inside a historic palace whose name remains undisclosed. There is no official confirmation, but the purpose is clear: to ensure guests' ultimate privacy.