Marriage of the sea, towards the end of viale D'Annunzio
Decorazione navata ad affresco - Basilica di San Piero a Grado (G. Bettini, Comune di Pisa)This rite was celebrated on the 6 of July to recall the maritime tradition of mutual respect between the city and the sea. Originally a large and rich procession of ships set off carrying the relic of the blood of San Clemente from the Cathedral to the Basilica of San Piero. From here it continued its route towards the sea. It can be assumed that on that occasion the Republic chose a virgin belonging to the most important families of Pisa and dressed her in white robes and flowers and she should thus represent the bride of the sea. Once in front of the mouth of the briver, the Pisans offered the sea a gift of gold and silver, so as to make the union even more sacred.
