Sensa Festival in Venice
The Sensa Festival was one of the most important celebrations in the social and political life of Venice.
Nowadays the Sensa festival is an elaborate historical recreation.
On the day of the Ascension a historical procession, complete with rowers in their costumes, go from Saint Mark's Square to the S. Nicoḷ port entrance for the ritual throw of the ring.
The boat carrying the local authorities is accompanied by a procession of sport boats belonging to boating clubs in Venice.
After the ritual of the throwing of the ring, the procession lands on Chiesa di San Nicoḷ del Lido, where a solemn Mass is celebrated.
The legend behind the festival has it that the Pope, as a reward for the diplomatic favor, conferred upon the city many privileges. Among these was the privilege of "marrying the sea", as official recognition from the Republic of Venice of its domination over the seas. In the Marriage of the sea, the doge, accompanied by a long procession of boats decorated for the festivities, would arrive at the San Nicoḷ port entrance and throw a gold ring into the sea.
During the Sensa Festival, a fair lasting 15 days was held in St. Mark's Square.
If you are in Venice on the 5th of May, you should not lose the opportunity to see Sensa Festival.
