One of the most famous and appreciated events in Italy is the Regata Storica di Venezia (Venice Historical Regatta). It is an occasion that has involved foreigners and local people alike since ancient times. In fact, the first evidence regarding the existence of this competition date back to the XIII century and refer to Festa delle Marie. However, it is not improbable that its origin is even older due to the necessity to train sailors in the use of the oars. So, here is a small guide to explain what the event is about and what is the history behind it. Furthermore, you will be able to know which boats can take part in the Venice’s Regatta. Finally, you will know the program of the 2021 edition.
What is the Venice Historical Regatta?
Dedicated to the Venetian rowing, an integral part of the identity of the people from the area, the Regata Storica di Venezia is the ending of a series of contests that take place during the year throughout the lagoon area. On these occasions it is decided who will be able to take part in the Historical Regatta. The importance of this event even in the past is amazing: from the row boat and from the ability of the rower depended the survival of the families that lived in the lagoon. Rowing comes to be as means of transportation to procure a livelihood; over time, the row was replaced with an engine and rowing has gained this competitive aspect that characterizes it still today.
The Venice Historical Regatta: its origins
The Venice Regatta is one of the oldest events held in the lagoon. Its origin is related to the need of moving that the people that lived in these places had. In the past, the regattas were divided in challenges among boatmen or gondoliers and big regattas. The latter were held on specific occasions and to celebrate religious holidays. In 1797, after the fall of the Republic of Venice, the regattas kept on going. In fact, in that year, the democratic Venetian government had two competitions. After the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, the main goal of these regattas was to celebrate the glorious past of the Republic of Venice. In 1899, in occasion of the Biennale Internazionale d’arte di Venezia, the event was officially named Regata Storica di Venezia.
How does the event work?
When explaining what the Venice Historical Regatta is, one has to also talk about the types of boats. Today, undoubtedly, the most appreciated boat is that of the gondolini. On the days of the event, the Canal Grande and the Bacino di San Marco are invaded by all kinds of vessels. The competition is opened by the Bissone, which are parade boath with the function of opening the historical parade.
Three are the main elements of the competition:
- the spaghetti
- the pole
- the machine
The first one is a string that is stretched in front of St Elena’s gardens and that marks the starting point of the competition. The second one is a fixed pole located in the middle of the Canal Grande exactly in front of Santa Lucia station. According to tradition, right there was where the winners were determined. Finally, the machine is a barge with a building on top of it. This is where the contests finish and where the award ceremonies are held. The awards are money and flags. These can be of four different colors depending on the finishing places. The winner gets the red one, while in second place you get the white one, which earlier on used to be light blue. Third place gets the green one and fourth place the blue one.
The Venice Historical Regatta: program of the event for 2021
Venice’s regatta is still held today. In 2021 the first event is set for September 2, when you can check out the boats, that on this occasions are showcased to all Venetian citizens. On Sunday, September 5, is when the Venice Regatta takes place. Around 4 pm the historical parade starts parading along the channel. They are historical boats and gondolas where people from the different Venetian rowing associations are dressed in costumes and play their role.
The historical parade commemorates the welcome given in 1489 to Caterina Cornaro, bride of the King of Cyprus, who gave up the throne in favor of Venice. It is a procession featuring dozens of typical Venetian boats from the 15th century, multicolored and featuring gondoliers in costume, that carry the doge, the doge’s wife, Caterina Cornaro, all of the highest officers of Venice, in a faithful reconstruction of the glorious past of one of the most powerful and influent Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean. After this, the real regattas can commence.
Featured image: Visit Abano Montegrotto
