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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.

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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.

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'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

"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.

2 Kusterle
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Quantity: 185 Items: 113
Pure cocoa
Pure cocoa
32,00 
Colored Sugar Coated Bonbons
Colored Sugar Coated Bonbons
38,00 
Selection of Florian teas – teabags
Selection of Florian teas – teabags
30,00 
Venice 1720 tea - teabags
Venice 1720 tea - teabags
30,00 
Venice Triumphant tea – teabags
Venice Triumphant tea – teabags
45,00 
Venetian Rose tea – teabags
Venetian Rose tea – teabags
60,00 
Imperial Earl Grey tea - teabags
Imperial Earl Grey tea - teabags
45,00 
Darjeeling tea – teabags
Darjeeling tea – teabags
15,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” ground coffee
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” ground coffee
30,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” in pods
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” in pods
56,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” ground coffee in tin
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” ground coffee in tin
34,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans 1 KG
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans 1 KG
36,00 
Florian extra virgin olive oil
Florian extra virgin olive oil
19,00 
Biological balsamic dressing
Biological balsamic dressing
18,00 
Organic artisan aged red wine vinegar
Organic artisan aged red wine vinegar
12,00 
Spring Symphony
Spring Symphony
38,00 
Set of pear, mixed berries selected jams and acacia honey
Set of pear, mixed berries selected jams and acacia honey
30,00 
Venetian Dream tea – teabags
Venetian Dream tea – teabags
45,00 
English Breakfast tea – teabags
English Breakfast tea – teabags
30,00 
Blooming teas - 6 pieces
Blooming teas - 6 pieces
22,00 
Fennel and liquorice herbal tea – loose in tin
Fennel and liquorice herbal tea – loose in tin
30,00 
Venice Triumphant tea – loose in tin
Venice Triumphant tea – loose in tin
30,00 
Soffice d'Oro
Soffice d'Oro
87,00 
Speziati biscuits- deluxe box
Speziati biscuits- deluxe box
13,00 
Speziati Biscuits
Speziati Biscuits
26,00 
Florian Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore D.O.C.G.
Florian Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore D.O.C.G.
25,00 
Bianco Florian D.O.C.
Bianco Florian D.O.C.
22,00 
Rosso Florian D.O.C.
Rosso Florian D.O.C.
25,00 
Florian Gin 17·20
Florian Gin 17·20
36,00 
Florian coffee liqueur
Florian coffee liqueur
15,00 
Florian classic grappa
Florian classic grappa
32,00 
Florian grappa riserva
Florian grappa riserva
19,00 
Brandy Florian
Brandy Florian
50,00 
Florian silver plated coffee pot
Florian silver plated coffee pot
480,00 
Glass infuser
Glass infuser
45,00 
Florian copper mug
Florian copper mug
180,00 
Florian silk stole
Florian silk stole
480,00 
Aqua Moresca Parfum de Toilette 50ml
Aqua Moresca Parfum de Toilette 50ml
170,00 
Aqua Florian Parfum de Toilette 50 ml
Aqua Florian Parfum de Toilette 50 ml
170,00 
Set of three Florian parfums
Set of three Florian parfums
230,00 
Aqua Admirabilis Parfum de Toilette 15 ml
Aqua Admirabilis Parfum de Toilette 15 ml
45,00 
Aqua Moresca perfumed towellettes
Aqua Moresca perfumed towellettes
11,00 
Aqua Admirabilis perfumed towellettes
Aqua Admirabilis perfumed towellettes
22,00 
"Sala delle Stagioni" ambiance perfume
"Sala delle Stagioni" ambiance perfume
20,00 
"Sala Senato" ambiance perfume
"Sala Senato" ambiance perfume
40,00 
Set of four Florian ambiance perfumes
Set of four Florian ambiance perfumes
120,00 
Florian Essenza ambiance perfume - vapo 100 ml
Florian Essenza ambiance perfume - vapo 100 ml
49,00 
Florian Essenza ambiance perfume - vapo 35 ml
Florian Essenza ambiance perfume - vapo 35 ml
20,00 
"Anniversario" espresso cup and saucer
"Anniversario" espresso cup and saucer
35,00 
"Impero" coffee cup and saucer with brass filter
"Impero" coffee cup and saucer with brass filter
165,00 
"Anniversario" tea cup and saucer
"Anniversario" tea cup and saucer
39,00 
"Anniversario" creamer - small
"Anniversario" creamer - small
58,00 
"Anniversario" creamer - medium
"Anniversario" creamer - medium
70,00 
"Anniversario" creamer - large
"Anniversario" creamer - large
42,00 
Florian wine glass
Florian wine glass
32,00 
Iced glass
Iced glass
220,00 
Chain for Florian clutch bag
Chain for Florian clutch bag
10,00 
Florian canvas shopper
Florian canvas shopper
20,00 
Florian pin
Florian pin
14,00 
Florian Christmas bauble
Florian Christmas bauble
16,00 
Photographic volume "Veneziani" by G. Berengo Gardin
Photographic volume "Veneziani" by G. Berengo Gardin
45,00 
Photographic volume "Caffè Florian" by M. Smith
Photographic volume "Caffè Florian" by M. Smith
54,00 
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 2" - Massimo di Capua
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 2" - Massimo di Capua
20,00 
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 1" - Massimo di Capua
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 1" - Massimo di Capua
20,00 
Florian magnet "Entrance"
Florian magnet "Entrance"
20,00 
Antonio Dei Rossi - “Fished in Venice” designed glass
Antonio Dei Rossi - “Fished in Venice” designed glass
340,00 
Judy Harvest - "Murrine" and catalogue
Judy Harvest - "Murrine" and catalogue
99,00 
Massimo Nordio - "Tête à Tête" big glass
Massimo Nordio - "Tête à Tête" big glass
39,00 
Book "Caffè Florian Delicacies"
Book "Caffè Florian Delicacies"
48,00 
"Venezia ai confini della luce" by M. de Tollenaere
"Venezia ai confini della luce" by M. de Tollenaere
19,00 
Florian XIII edition of "Temporanea" Postcards
Florian XIII edition of "Temporanea" Postcards
10,00 
Stamp 300 years – the FOLDER
Stamp 300 years – the FOLDER
30,00 
Stamp 300 years – the POSTCARD
Stamp 300 years – the POSTCARD
2,00 
Choco Lovers Box
Choco Lovers Box
28,00 
Floral Tea Experience
Floral Tea Experience
45,00 
A M(h)ug For You
A M(h)ug For You
47,00 
Choco Kiss
Choco Kiss
118,00 
Sensory Tea Journey
Sensory Tea Journey
144,00 
GIFT CARD € 50
GIFT CARD € 50
50,00 
GIFT CARD € 100
GIFT CARD € 100
100,00 
GIFT CARD € 250
GIFT CARD € 250
500,00 
Imperial Earl Grey tea - loose in tin
Imperial Earl Grey tea - loose in tin
12,00 
Cantucci Biscuits
Cantucci Biscuits
31,20 
Venetian red herbal tea - loose in tin
Venetian red herbal tea - loose in tin
16,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans
18,00 
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans in tin
Florian blend “Venezia 1720” coffee beans in tin
20,00 
Venetian Rose tea – loose in tin
Venetian Rose tea – loose in tin
15,00 
Sunset in Venice herbal tea – loose in tin
Sunset in Venice herbal tea – loose in tin
15,00 
Venetian Dream tea – loose in tin
Venetian Dream tea – loose in tin
15,00 
Esse Biscuits
Esse Biscuits
13,00 
Chocolate Kiss biscuits
Chocolate Kiss biscuits
13,00 
Set of strawberry, orange and apricot selected jams
Set of strawberry, orange and apricot selected jams
15,00 
Florian Franciacorta Brut D.O.C.G.
Florian Franciacorta Brut D.O.C.G.
39,00 
Silk bandana
Silk bandana
110,00 
Florian leather handchain for pouch
Florian leather handchain for pouch
20,00 
Florian logo bronze necklace
Florian logo bronze necklace
128,00 
Aqua Admirabilis Parfum de Toilette vapo 50ml
Aqua Admirabilis Parfum de Toilette vapo 50ml
85,00 
Aqua Moresca Parfum de Toilette 15 ml
Aqua Moresca Parfum de Toilette 15 ml
45,00 
"Sala Orientale" ambiance perfume
"Sala Orientale" ambiance perfume
20,00 
"Impero" coffee cup and saucer
"Impero" coffee cup and saucer
75,00 
Mug "Anniversario"
Mug "Anniversario"
35,00 
Florian porcelain teapot
Florian porcelain teapot
65,00 
Punch Glass with silver stand
Punch Glass with silver stand
75,00 
Fausto Gilberti – “Beautiful People” canvas shopper and catalogue
Fausto Gilberti – “Beautiful People” canvas shopper and catalogue
38,00 
Massimo Nordio - "Tête à Tête" small glass
Massimo Nordio - "Tête à Tête" small glass
35,00 
Carnival Magnet's Collection - Massimo di Capua
Carnival Magnet's Collection - Massimo di Capua
15,00 
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 4" - Massimo di Capua
Florian magnet "Carnevalesco veneziano 4" - Massimo di Capua
5,00 
Florian 290 Anniversary Postcards
Florian 290 Anniversary Postcards
5,00 
Blooming Teas Set
Blooming Teas Set
75,00 
Orient Experience Tea Set
Orient Experience Tea Set
149,00 
GIFT CARD € 150
GIFT CARD € 150
150,00 
Set of six selected Florian preserves
Set of six selected Florian preserves
20,00 
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Winter Wonderland herbal tea - teabags
12,00 
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