On Sunday morning, a piece of water in the city’s main river looked to have turned luminous green, giving Venetians a startling sight.

Authorities in the area have taken water samples and started a quick investigation.

There are many theories on what could have caused the water around the well-known Rialto Bridge to change color.

Theories include everything from a dye leak to an environmental activist protest.

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Local police were reportedly reviewing CCTV to see if the release might have been a publicity ploy for the Volgalonga regatta, which is taking place this weekend, according to Italian media reports.

Many social media users claimed that the photos pouring out of Venice reminded them of the 1968 eco-awareness prank by Argentine artist Nicolás Garca Uriburu, who turned the Grand Canal green.