May 16 - May 17, 2026
Cervia
Marriage of the sea
When the people of Cervia began celebrating this occasion, the town was still located near the salt pans. Legend tells that on Ascension Day in 1445, Bishop Pietro Barbo, returning by sea from an embassy in Venice, was caught in a violent storm, which he calmed by throwing his ring into the sea. Since then, the Marriage of the Sea has been repeated every year, a celebration through which, for almost six centuries, Cervia renews its bond with the Adriatic Sea.
In the procession starting from Piazza Garibaldi, ladies, nobles, standard-bearers, and magistrates parade in sumptuous historical costumes, accompanying the Archbishop of the Diocese of Ravenna and Cervia to cast the ring into the sea.
Aboard a fishing boat, after pronouncing the ritual words, “…Bless these waters, the ships that sail them, the rowers, the helmsmen, the people, the goods…”, the Archbishop throws the ring into the sea. Swimmers dive in to retrieve it as a sign of good luck for fishing and the upcoming tourist season.
In 1986, Pope John Paul II celebrated the ceremony. To the ancient words of blessing, he added new ones addressed to people beyond the sea who cherish peace and harmony. Thus, the Marriage of the Sea became a symbol of eternal brotherhood among peoples.
Every year, the festival is an opportunity to invite a guest city with which a special bond is created or renewed. In 2026, the guest city will be Jelenia Góra (Poland).
The program of the 582nd edition spans two days: history, culture, gastronomy, and entertainment are the ingredients of this traditional festival, beloved by locals and appreciated by visitors and tourists. The highlight is on Ascension Sunday, dedicated to the long-awaited sea ritual and the ring-fishing challenge, where young locals compete for the “trophy” that promises luck and prosperity.
The evening ends with celebrations featuring the “cuccagna” over the water, where brave participants run along a grease-covered pole suspended over the canal to grab flags and claim victory. A moment of pure fun, with enthusiastic cheering and guaranteed laughter, welcoming the arrival of summer.
Programme:
Saturday, May 16
CEREMONY OF THE MARRIAGE RING
Teatro Comunale Walter Chiari – Via XX Settembre, 125 – from 9:00 PM
Exchange of gifts with the guest city
Special participation of the delegation from the Polish city of Jelenia Góra on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the twinning.
Followed by:
CONCERT FOR THE 582nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE SEA
with the Grande Orchestra Città di Cervia
Sunday, May 17
CERVIA OF THE PAST: TRADITION AND FOLKLORE
Piazza Garibaldi – 4:30 PM
Performance by flag-throwers, musicians and standard-bearers representing the districts of the Palio del Niballo of Faenza
SOLEMN BLESSING OF THE RING
Piazza Garibaldi – 5:00 PM
Archbishop Mons. Lorenzo Ghizzoni blesses the ring that will be thrown into the sea, with musical accompaniment by the Ad Novas Choir.
PROCESSION OF THE RING
Departure from Piazza Garibaldi – 5:30 PM
Followed by:
PRAYER AND WREATH-LAYING IN MEMORY OF THOSE LOST AT SEA
Lungomare D’Annunzio, Monument to the Fallen at Sea – 5:45 PM
BOARDING FOR THE CEREMONY AND DEPARTURE TO SEA
Canal Port – 6:00 PM
Boat tickets:
Full €5
Reduced €3 (children up to 10 years old)
Buy your ticket:
Boarding from 5:00 PM at the Cervia canal port
All proceeds will be donated to the Busignani Nursing Home
TO WATCH THE RING THROWING:
Live on Facebook and on big screens along Lungomare D’Annunzio (tourist port area) and in Piazza Garibaldi
GREASY POLE OVER THE WATER (CUCCAGNA)
Canal Port – 9:00 PM
Food & Wine
FROM MAY 15 TO 17
“A sea that unites” – food stand organized by the Fishermen’s Association “La Pantofla”
Piazzale Aliprandi
- Friday from 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM
FROM MAY 11 TO 17
“SENSIA BREAD” AND “MAIDENS’ CAKE”
Available in Cervia bakeries
Recipe developed by the Cervia Hotel Institute (IPSEOA). Check the website for participating bakeries.
The Municipality of Cervia thanks all those who contributed to the event.
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