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The Festa della Sensa on Sunday, June 1, 2025: a celebration of history, the sea, and tradition
The Festa della Sensa is one of Venice’s most fascinating celebrations, a historic event that revives the ancient bond between the Serenissima and the sea. Every year, on Ascension Day, the city comes alive with the traditional Marriage of the Sea, a symbolic ritual representing Venice’s eternal connection to its waters.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the lagoon will once again be the stage for this unmissable cultural event, featuring regattas, solemn ceremonies, and a timeless atmosphere. Discover the 2025 program, the best places to experience the event, and the unique connection between the Festa della Sensa and Caffè Florian, a historic witness to Venetian traditions.
Re-enactment of the Doge's voyage to the Lido to celebrate Venice's marriage to the sea
What is the Festa della Sensa? Discovering Venice’s ancient maritime celebration
The Festa della Sensa — which means Ascension in Venetian dialect — has deep roots in the glorious past of the Republic of Venice. Held on the day of Christ’s Ascension, this celebration was not only a religious event, but also a powerful symbol of Venice’s civic and political identity. It was a moment to renew the city’s deep connection to the sea through the historic Marriage of the Sea ceremony.
This ancient ritual was inspired by two key moments in Venetian history. The first dates back to May 9, 1000, when Doge Pietro II Orseolo led a naval expedition to defend Adriatic trade routes from pirate attacks, marking the beginning of Venice’s maritime expansion. The second took place in 1177, when Doge Sebastiano Ziani hosted the signing of the Peace of Venice between Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, bringing an end to a long conflict between Church and Empire.
These historic events still come to life today in a festival that blends spirituality, political legacy, and seafaring tradition.
The ceremony of the Marriage of the Sea: a symbolic ritual of the Serenissima
At the heart of the Festa della Sensa is the iconic Marriage of the Sea ceremony. In this ancient ritual, the Doge of Venice — now represented by the city’s mayor — embarks on a symbolic boat called La Serenissima, accompanied by a traditional water parade of historic gondolas, rowboats, and ceremonial vessels.
Once the procession reaches the waters off San Nicolò at the Lido, the mayor tosses a gold ring into the sea while proclaiming:
Desponsamus te, mare nostrum, in signum veri perpetuique dominii
(We marry you, our sea, in token of true and perpetual dominion)
It’s a powerful gesture that reaffirms Venice’s eternal bond with the sea and an enduring symbol of the city’s identity and freedom.
'The Return of the Bucintoro to the Pier on Ascension Day', Giovanni Antonio Canal 1738
Festa della Sensa 2025: events and program of the celebration
Once again this year, Venice is ready to enchant visitors with a celebration full of charm and tradition. On Sunday, June 1st, the festivities will begin in the morning with a striking water parade departing from St. Mark’s, led by the historic vessel Serenissima and accompanied by graceful Venetian rowing crews.
The procession will make its way to the Lido of Venice, where the moving Marriage of the Sea ceremony will take place, followed by a solemn mass and the official gathering with city authorities.
Throughout the day, the heart of Venice will come alive with traditional regattas, along the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Basin, and a wide range of cultural events.
Where to Watch the Festa della Sensa: the best spots to enjoy the event
The Festa della Sensa is a celebration that touches both the eyes and the heart. To truly experience its unique atmosphere, all you need to do is be in the right places — where ceremonial boats set sail, where solemn moments unfold, and where tradition meets history.
At the heart of the festivities is St. Mark’s Square, with Caffè Florian offering its timeless elegance, just as it has for centuries. From here, it’s a short walk to the San Marco Basin, the starting point of the grand water parade that fascinates both locals and visitors every year.
The ceremony reaches its most symbolic moment at the Lido of Venice, where the traditional “Marriage of the Sea” is performed—an emotional ritual that celebrates the city’s eternal bond with the sea.
No matter where you stand along the route, the Festa della Sensa will enchant you with its colors, traditions, and timeless charm. And for those who want to dive deeper into the city’s secrets on this special day, a visit to iconic landmarks like the magical Bridge of Sighs is a must for every curious traveler.
Festa della Sensa and Caffè Florian: a journey through history and culture
Founded in 1720 under the arcades of St. Mark’s Square, Caffè Florian has been a privileged witness to Venice’s cultural and historical life for over three centuries. During the Festa della Sensa, its historic rooms are filled with a unique atmosphere — a blend of elegance and deep appreciation for the past. Stopping here means experiencing a true piece of Venetian tradition.
It was in these rooms that, in tribute to the festival and the symbolic marriage between the city and the sea, Roberto Kusterle created the installation “Le Spose del Mare” (The Brides of the Sea), exhibited in 2016 inside Florian’s Chinese Room.
"Le spose del mare" by Roberto Kusterle
Through photography, the artist paid homage to Venice by portraying ethereal, dreamlike women who seem to belong to a marine world—figures that embody both resilience and opulence, two defining traits of the city’s spirit and history.
