Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) is one of Venice’s oldest and most symbolic festivals, celebrated each May to commemorate the city’s maritime heritage and its historic “marriage to the sea.” The highlight is the Sposalizio del Mare ceremony, in which the Mayor of Venice sails aboard the ornate Serenissima boat to cast a gold ring into the lagoon, symbolizing Venice’s eternal bond with the sea. The festival also features regattas, processions, and historical reenactments around St. Mark’s Basin and the Lido. Blending pageantry, tradition, and spiritual meaning, the Festa della Sensa beautifully captures Venice’s enduring relationship with the waters that define it.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Venice or an Italy route—we’ll plan the Sposalizio del Mare rite, boat procession & regattas, smart vantage points & timing, and a walkable stay by St Mark’s Basin.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: Exact 2026 details not yet published—check official site nearer the date: Official site.
• Annual pattern: Marked around Ascension with the “Marriage of the Sea” boat ceremony; the City confirms dates each spring — see Traditional events.
• The exact timetable publishes annually; watch the City’s Program announcements for schedules and regattas.
LOCATION
• Ceremony: “Sposalizio del Mare” in the Bacino San Marco with flotilla towards the Lido and the Church of San Nicolò — overview on the Official site.
• Map: Chiesa di San Nicolò al Lido — Open in Google Maps.
• Getting there: Use ACTV public transport (vaporetto) for viewing areas at San Marco and the Lido — plan via ACTV transport.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free viewing: Public viewing along banks and quays is free; any reserved seating or boat places are published by the City/partners on the Official site when applicable.
GOOD TO KNOW
• What to expect: Official ceremony with ring‑casting on the lagoon and traditional Voga alla Veneta regattas; details confirmed each year — see City Official site and Program updates.
• Crowds & access: Arrive early for sightlines around Riva degli Schiavoni/San Marco; follow transport and safety notices issued by the City.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest an Italy route that includes the Festa della Sensa at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.