The Historical Regatta

PROGRAMME

Water is the element that most characterises Venice and it is no coincidence that the most famous and spectacular festivity in the city takes place on the waters of the Grand Canal. 

Even now the Regata Storica is one of the most spectacular, picturesque and moving events of Venetian life, capable of both charming the tourists and exciting the locals.

A historical procession commemorates the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she renounced her throne in favour of Venice. It is a procession of 16th century style boats, with the famous Bucintoro, the boat representing the Serenissima, at its head.
 
Then comes the competition. The spectators participate with gusto and shouts of encouragement during the sporting events
 

History
 

The earliest historical evidence of rowing races dates from the second half of the 13th Century. However, it is probable that similar events were already popular: Venice was essentially a seafaring city and ready reserves of expert oarsmen were a prime necessity.  
 

The Regatta today
 

As the multi-coloured boats speed past thousands of spectators, crowded along the banks, or in the floating stands, or even better in one of the boats moored along the Canal, an incessant babble acts as the soundtrack to the competition.

The various competitions
 

Many different competitions take place within the Regata Storica: the champions regatta in "gondolini", the regatta in "caorline", the women's regatta in "mascarete", the young rowers' regatta in "pupparini".

The boats
 

Many different types of boats take part in the Regata Storica: the "gondolino", the "caorlina", the "mascareta", the "pupparin", and, of course, the gondola, the Venetian boat par excellence

The champions
 

The great rowing champions: the winners of the Historical Regattas of the last fifty years.