The Festa della Sensa is a traditional Venetian celebration that takes place on the Sunday following the Ascension, which is usually in May or early June. The festival commemorates the historical and spiritual importance of Venice as a maritime power and highlights the city’s relationship with the sea.

The event dates back to the 9th century and was originally a religious ceremony: the Doge, the leader of the Venetian Republic, would board the Bucintoro, a ceremonial boat, and sail out to the Lido to perform the Wedding of the Sea ceremony, which symbolized the maritime power and dominion of Venice over the sea. Then, the Doge would throw a gold ring into the water as a sign of the city’s union with the sea and its control over it.