Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) in Venice, Italy, is the city’s maritime holiday on Ascension Day (usually in May), commemorating the Republic’s seafaring power and Venice’s symbolic “Marriage to the Sea.” The highlight is the Sposalizio del Mare: a grand boat procession from St. Mark’s Basin to San Nicolò al Lido, where the mayor casts a gold ring into the Adriatic. Look for traditional voga alla veneta rowing, regattas, and the lively Fiera della Sensa fair on the Lido.
DATES & TIMES
• Main celebration date (2026): Sunday, May 17, 2026. Venezia Unica (official).
• The City of Venice publishes official updates and program details (including any related events around the main ceremony). Comune di Venezia.
LOCATION
• Core ceremony area: St. Mark’s Basin (Bacino San Marco), Venice, Italy. Open in Google Maps.
• The traditional water procession goes from San Marco to the Lido (San Nicolò). Route notes (City of Venice) · Lido on Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• The City of Venice presents the Festa della Sensa as a public tradition event; confirm any reserved seating, boat access, or ticketed side events (if offered) via the official listings. Official listing · City of Venice page.
GOOD TO KNOW
• The modern celebration is organized with a water procession of traditional rowing boats, led by the “Serenissima” carrying the Mayor and civic authorities; a symbolic ring is thrown to renew the “Marriage of the Sea” tradition. City of Venice overview.
• For logistics (public transport, access rules, and any changes), use the official Venezia Unica and City of Venice updates. Venezia Unica.