The Wedding of the Sea Festival is the parish’s signature annual event. The Wedding of the Sea tradition began in Venice around the year 1000 AD. The civil and religious leaders of Venice performed an annual “wedding” between the city and the Mediterranean Sea on the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The ritual symbolized the maritime power’s vital relationship to the sea. The tradition came to Atlantic City through St. Michael’s Church, an historically Italian parish, but was celebrated on a different feast, the Assumption of Mary. Whether the destination is the beach, the Boardwalk, or the casinos, the great appeal of Atlantic City is the Atlantic Ocean. The Wedding of the Sea Festival celebrates the relationship of the city and the sea and asks God to grant success to the work of so many to build up our great city.

The Wedding of the Sea Festival will feature 10+ restaurant and bakery vendors, a beer garden, children’s games, face painting, and live music.

Schedule of Events:

• 11:00 AM: Doors open at Boardwalk Hall
• 12:00 Noon: Introductory Program including Atlantic County Freeholder Chairman Frank Formica and God Bless America by Madison Dougherty at Boardwalk Hall
  
  
• 12:05 PM: Mass of the Assumption with Bishop Dennis Sullivan at Boardwalk Hall
  
  
• 1:15 PM: Procession to the surf for the Wedding of the Sea with Bishop Sullivan and Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian on the beach in front of Boardwalk Hall
  
  
• 1:00 - 8:00 PM: Festival grounds open at St. Michael's and Quaremba Hall