Venice is a city to be experienced and we say to be experienced because with its winding canals, Gothic palaces and ancient bridges it is a city that takes a lifetime to fully discover. This aquatic labyrinth, created to defend the lagoon and make it prosper, is today one of the most beautiful cities in the world where the waterways tell ancient and curious stories.
The cultural richness of Venice is demonstrated by events and celebrations which, centuries after their institution, continue to take place with unchanged solemnity and participation; among these, the historic regatta is perhaps the event that more than any other embodies the Venetian soul, fusing together tradition, entertainment and competitiveness, here the historic gondolas compete to bring home the title of best boat in the lagoon.
The historic regatta of Venice an overview
The historic regatta of Venice is an annual event held in September , transforming the Grand Canal into a floating theater of color and sound. This event dates back to the 13th century and is a celebration of "Venetian rowing", a unique rowing style that represents a true cultural heritage of the city. For those who want to visit Venice then Sunday 1st September 2024 is one of the dates to mark on the calendar as the city renews this centuries-old tradition, offering an experience that goes beyond a simple race becoming a historical re-enactment, a sporting competition and a city festival .
The historical procession , which will open the event starting from 3.30pm, will remember the welcome given in 1489 to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, who renounced the throne in favor of Venice. This procession, made up of dozens of richly decorated boats and led by costumed figures, is a riot of colors that recalls the splendor of the Serenissima , bringing to light the golden age of the city. Starting from 4:00 pm, the actual regattas will begin, which will see different categories of rowers competing, from the very young to the most experienced champions. The day will end with the two-oared gondolin regatta.
The history of the Venice regatta
The history of the historic regatta is deeply rooted in Venetian culture. The first evidence dates back to the 13th century, linked to the Feast of the Maries , but it is probable that the practice of regattas was born much earlier, as training for the crews of the Serenissima, a maritime power that dominated the Mediterranean. Over the centuries, the regatta has taken on various forms and meanings, going from a entertainment event and competition between gondoliers to a celebration of visits from dignitaries and rulers.
The modern historical regatta was born in 1841 , when the Municipality of Venice, under Austrian rule, began to organize it annually to preserve the tradition of rowing and celebrate the skill of the gondoliers. The route has remained almost unchanged over time, starting from the Gardens of Sant'Elena and arriving at the Machina , an imposing floating building set up in front of Ca' Foscari. The boats, the " gondolini ", are painted with distinctive colours, and the flags given to the winners, red, white, green and blue respectively, have always been a symbol of prestige and pride.
Experiencing Venice beyond the regatta
Participating in the historic regatta is a unique experience, but Venice deserves to be experienced well beyond just one day. The city offers infinite possibilities for exploration: from the secret alleys of Castello to the art masterpieces of the Ghetto , from the Rialto markets to the contemporary art museums. To fully experience this timeless city, it is advisable to plan a longer stay, perhaps opting for a short rental . This type of accommodation not only offers greater freedom and comfort than a hotel, but allows you to truly immerse yourself in daily Venetian life, discovering hidden corners and enjoying slower and more authentic rhythms. Booking an apartment online is simple and fast, with a wide choice of solutions for all needs.
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