Wedding of the Sea
Cervia renews its ancient marriage with the Adriatic
About Wedding of the Sea
A ritual that has lasted for almost six centuries
The Wedding of the Sea is the identity core of Cervia, a coastal city in the Province of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. Its origin dates back to 1445, when Bishop Pietro Barbo – future Pope Paul II – escaped a violent storm at sea and, in sign of gratitude, threw his ring into the waves, blessing the waters. Since then, every year on Ascension Day, Cervia renews this symbolic marriage with the Adriatic, a deep bond between the community and the sea that has always sustained it.
The ring thrown into the waves
The most anticipated moment is the blessing and throwing of the wedding ring into the sea, from the canal port: fishermen dive to retrieve it, in an ancient competition that intertwines faith, courage, and maritime tradition. Whoever manages to bring it back to shore is considered lucky for the whole year. All around, a historical procession in period costume crosses the city, accompanied by flag wavers, musicians, and figures who bring Renaissance Cervia back to life.
A festival of people and twinnings
The Wedding of the Sea is also an occasion for communities to meet: each edition welcomes a guest city, often linked to Cervia by a twinning or long-standing tourist relations. The ring ceremony, hosted at the "Walter Chiari" Municipal Theatre or in Piazza Garibaldi, includes the exchange of gifts between the cities and the famous concert by the Grande Orchestra Città di Cervia. The event is organized by the Municipality of Cervia with the involvement of local associations.
Cervia, between salt pans and the Adriatic
Visiting Cervia during the Wedding of the Sea means discovering a seaside resort with an ancient soul, famous for its salt pans and its "sweet salt". The festival animates the canal port, the seafront, and the historic center, offering residents and tourists two days of spectacle, history, and popular devotion in one of the most picturesque settings on the Romagna Riviera.
Wedding of the Sea — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Wedding of the Sea marked a special milestone: the 582nd edition coincided with the 50th anniversary of the twinning between Cervia and the guest city of Jelenia Góra (Poland), whose delegation, led by Mayor Jerzy Łużniak, held the symbolic roles of Ring Bearer and Podestà. On Sunday, Ascension Day, Cervia was also the starting point for the 9th stage of the 2026 Giro d'Italia, the Cervia-Corno alle Scale, intertwining centuries-old tradition and great sport.
Programme Wedding of the Sea 2026
Saturday, May 16
- 9:00 PM — Ring Ceremony at the "Walter Chiari" Municipal Theatre, with the exchange of gifts between Cervia and the guest city Jelenia Góra and the concert by the Grande Orchestra Città di Cervia.
Sunday, May 17
- 4:30 PM — In Piazza Garibaldi: performance by flag wavers and musicians from the Palio del Niballo districts of Faenza and parade of costumed figures.
- 5:00 PM — Solemn blessing of the ring by Archbishop Mons. Lorenzo Ghizzoni, with musical accompaniment by the Coro Ad Novas.
- 5:30 PM — Departure of the historical procession from Piazza Garibaldi towards the canal port.
- 5:45 PM — Prayer and laying of a wreath in memory of the fallen at sea at the Monument on Lungomare D'Annunzio.
- Following: embarkation and throwing of the wedding ring into the sea from the canal port, with fishermen diving to retrieve it.
Highlights Wedding of the Sea 2026
Prices Wedding of the Sea 2026
Practical information — Wedding of the Sea
Where
Events take place in Piazza Garibaldi, the canal port, Lungomare D'Annunzio, and the "Walter Chiari" Municipal Theatre in Cervia (RA).
How to get there
Cervia is reachable by car via the SS16 Adriatica or the A14 motorway (Cesena or Rimini Nord exit). Cervia-Milano Marittima train station is on the Ravenna-Rimini line. The nearest airports are Forlì or Rimini.
Boat Tickets
To watch the ring blessing from the sea, you can book a spot on a boat: full ticket 5 euros, reduced 3 euros for children under 10, on sale online at discovercervia.com and turismo.comunecervia.it. Land ceremonies are free, with giant screens in Piazza Garibaldi and Facebook live streaming.
Information
IAT-R Cervia Tourist Office, tel. +39 0544 974400.
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Where does it take place — Wedding of the Sea
Porto Canale di Cervia
Piazza Garibaldi, 48015 Cervia