Throwing rice at weddings will be a thing of the past in Venice, as the city council has banned rice throwing in an attempt to keep the number of pigeons under control.
Venice attracts millions of visitors every year and it is a very popular wedding venue. Traditionally, rice is thrown at wedding ceremonies as a sign of fertility and good luck, but officials say the rice is attracting pigeons and creating serious problems.
It is estimated the city has 40,000 pigeons, accused of damaging many important buildings in the city. With the ban, the mayor hopes to reduce the pigeon population and tackle the damage being caused to some historic buildings.
The city council is also trying to ban the sale of grain to feed pigeons in St Mark’s Square, despite opposition from animal rights groups and the sellers themselves.
