The Marriage of the Sea
Since then, the Marriage of the Sea has been commemorated every year. On Ascension Sunday, the unique atmosphere or this ancient tradition permeates the whole town. A parade of ladies, gentlemen, priests and the mayor of the town process together from Piazza Garibaldi in elegant period costumes, accompanying the Archbishop of Ravenna and Cervia who throws the ring into the sea.
Aboard a fishing boat, after having said the blessing calling for the protection of all at sea, the Archbishop flings the ring into the sea. Swimmers then dive in after it and attempt to fish it out, a sign of good fortune for the forthcoming fishing and tourist seasons.
In 1986, Pope John Paul II took part in the ceremony. He added to the traditional blessing, offering words for those beyond the sea in search of peace and harmony. And so our Sposalizio festival became a symbol of the eternal fraternity of peoples. Today, it is the longest-running festival in Italy, one which remains very important to the residents of Cervia.
