Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Sensa in Venezia

photo by Moitza Nicolini

This past Sunday the people of Venezia took part once again, 
in the age-old traditional ceremony known as La Sensa.

Last weekend many of us here in California observed a similar ceremony in Long Beach, which was inspired by the one in the Venetian lagoon.

It all begins with lots of people heading out on boats.


One of the GSVVM's batelas makes it's way through the Grand Canal.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

 Several different club vessels passing the campanile in Piazza San Marco.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

 Eight remi and lots of varnished wood.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

 A bright red caorlina.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

 A GSVVM sandolo rowed by four of my friends.
photo by Moitza Nicolini


Un altre caorlina.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

That great big red boat from Brenta. 
photo by Moitza Nicolini

All of the boats follow a grand vessel, carrying several dignitaries, 
out to a designated spot.
A church official delivers profound words of blessing, 
along with those of a wedding ceremony.
The wedding takes place between Venezia and the sea.
At the height of it, the reigning leader 
(it used to be the Doge, now it's the Mayor) 
tosses a gold ring into the sea, sealing that marriage.


 The tossing of the ring.
Special thanks to Ruggero Zannini for this great shot



And in solemn reverence, everyone, on every boat, raises their remi.
photo by Moitza Nicolini

My sincere thanks to both Moitza Nicolini and Ruggero Zannini for the photos that made this post possible.

No comments: