Throwing of rice forbidden at weddings in Venice

Authorities in Venice have decided to "ruin" romantic weddings by forbidding wedding guests to throw rice at bride and groom while they are leaving the church. Rice, which is traditionally thrown at weddings as symbol of well-being and fertility, also makes "collateral damage", because it is food for pigeons who make the city dirty.

Mayor of Venice, Massimo Kačjari, is of the opinion that this ban will contribute to reduction of number of pigeons who damage monuments and pollute city with their excrement. According to the estimate of city authorities, nearly 40,000 pigeons live in historical part of the city, which occupies about 6.4 square kilometers.

Attempts that their number be eradicated by means of contraceptive preparations in food chain have not given desired results yet. City authorities are also thinking about forbidding sale of food for pigeons at famous St. Mark Square, which is opposed by sellers who own official permits.