May - Festa Della Sensa

The Sensa Feast-day, Ascension Day, was the major Venetian celebration at the time of the Republic.  Moreover, it took on a special importance because of the huge number of pilgrims to be found in the city in spring awaiting passage on the Venetian ships heading for the Holy Land.

The Sensa celebration dates back to the year 998 when the Venetian fleet, baptized by the Bishop and under the command of Doge Pietro Orseolo II, sailed on Ascension Day to liberate Dalmatia.

This victorious undertaking meant that every year on that day the Doge, on board a sumptuous processional boat called the Bucintoro, was to throw a ring, the symbol of the city's power and dominion over the sea, into the waters in front of the Church of San Nicolò on the Lido.

Nowadays the water procession consisting of historical boats and boats belonging to the Venetian sporting associations, is escorted by naval vessels and military landing craft to the waters in front of the Church of San Nicolò on the Lido.

At the head of the procession is the Mayor of Venice, accompanied by the highest civil authorities and by the Patriarch of Venice. 

Here, after being blessed, the auspicious ring is thrown into the waves.  High Mass follows in the church. 

In the afternoon the festivities continue with two Venetian rowing races, costume parades and a concert of classical music.