Marraige to the Sea

I don't do educational blips so this probably won't be a great explanation as to what is going on in this picture. My understanding is that on Ascension day there is a boat which leaves the Doges Palace in Venice and sails over to one of the islands. An official drops a solid gold wedding band into the water at an agreed point and this is symbolic of Venice being married to the sea. They they take this very rarely seen boat back to St Marks and there is a religious ceremony in the basilica. I have never seen so many police, guards, army and officials....the traffic on the canal was not helped by the fact the 'Americas Cup' yachting thingy was on at the same time!!

I love how the flag of Venice is trailing in the water. There are lots of famous paintings going back to the 1700s which depict this ceremony., flag, rowing, oar

Am I the only person searching Venice for scuba gear....there a lot of gold in that there lagoon??!