The trumpets announce the approach of the Bucintoro with the crew of the Remiera di Portosecco to the Lido. The flag of the Serenissima laps the water and, behind, the San Marco basin is colored by the rowing procession.
In Venice today is a day of celebration and tradition: Sensa, the Ascension, is celebrated, which always falls 40 days after Easter, actually occurs on Thursday 9 May but is celebrated on the following Sunday.
At the head of the procession was the Bucintoro with on board the civil, military and religious authorities with the Patriarch Francesco Moraglia, the Admiral of the Navy Andrea Petroni and the two mayors of Venice and Tirana Erion Veliaj. The alzaremi arrives in front of the Francesco Morosini naval school, then we set off again towards the keep of Sant’Andrea, where the shots arrive, as in the times of the Serenissima.
This year the weather winked at the celebration: last year, in fact, due to the wind, it was not possible to get close to the Fort.
The packed banks of San Nicolò applaud the arrival of the procession, the boats form a rainbow around the bucintoro for the most awaited moment of the day: the wedding between the sea and the lagoon.
Admiral Petroni threw the laurel wreath into the water to remember those who fell at sea, while the mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro entrusted the lagoon with the ring which symbolizes the indissoluble bond between the two elements. A real celebration, a solemn rite to underline the importance of water for the city and its dominion over the seas.
The ceremony is replaced by the men’s regatta, awarded by the delegate councilor for traditions Giovanni Giusto, satisfied with the success of the festival. “A beautiful day” he commented “the continuity of the celebration makes this day special and, at the same time, every year we update ourselves. Only in this way can tradition live” he concluded.
The oar challenge saw the Celeste gondola classified with Rudi Vignotto, Mattia Vignotto, Andrea Bertoldini and Simone Vecchiato.
Councilor Giusto was satisfied with the success of the party. “A beautiful day” he commented “the continuity of the celebration makes this day special and, at the same time, every year we update ourselves. Only in this way can tradition live” he concluded.
