Venice Historical Regatta

The Venice Regatta: A Historical Boat Race Since the 13th Century

Dating back to the second half of the 13th Century, the Venice Historical Regatta is a spectacular competition whose origins are firmly entrenched in the history of Venice. As the maritime nation considered it vital to have expert oarsmen.

The Venice historical regatta, is the main regatta of the year. Although the other islands and communities of the Venetian lagoon also hold their own regatta's throughout the calendar year. The Regata Storica takes place on the first Sunday of September in Venice, dates of other regatta's can be found at the end of this document.

What Does Regatta Mean in Venice's Maritime Culture

In Venice, a regatta represents more than just a boat race - it's a testament to the city's deep connection with water. The term originated from the Venetian 'regatare,' meaning to compete, and became synonymous with the city's prestigious rowing competitions. For centuries, these events have showcased the exceptional skills of Venetian oarsmen, who played a crucial role in maintaining Venice's naval supremacy.

Venice Boat Festival: A Spectacular Grand Canal Parade

The historical regatta takes place on the Sunday afternoon. It begins with a ceremonial parade along the Grand Canal of historical boats manned by Venetians in period costume. The most important rowing races are between the various neighbourhoods of Venice.

Like the celebrated Palio of Sienna, the fans and followers of each neighbourhood boat and crew are a form of entertainment in themselves. In fact, in ancient times, a fleet of bissone (typical long boats) would proceed the race clearing the way and maintaining order.

Venice Regatta: Racing Rules and Traditional Course

The traditional points of reference for the Venice historical Regata are the spagheto, a rope stretched across the starting point in front of the public gardens in the Castello sestiere of Venice; the paleto, a pole driven into the centre of the Grand Canal in front of the Church of Sant'Andrea de la Zirada, around which the boats must turn before going back up the Grand Canal to cross the finishing line.

The finishing line is indicated by the machina, a construction erected on a wooden raft richly carved, painted and gilded, and where the prize-giving ceremony is held.

The Historic Venice Boat Race: Celebrating Queen Caterina Cornaro

The historical regatta of Venice, re-enacted on an annual basis nowadays also recalls the famous procession of the 16th Century when Caterina Cornaro, a native Venetian who was later crowned Queen of Cyprus returned to Venice to deliver the island of Cyprus into the hands of the Venetians.

Competition Categories of Italy's Premier Regatta Festival

Following this procession come the bisonni (8 oared Gondolas), then, the balotine (6-oared Gondolas), the decorative and ceremonial gondolas of the various rowing clubs. Then, the competition starts with a regatta for youngsters, followed by one for the women, and then finally one for the two-oared gondolas that are numbered and colored differently.

Once the Regatta is finished, the canals of Venice come to life with boats of various sizes, full of people celebrating amongst all the noise and confusion. Other events, such as street-entertainers and other artists, take place in he principal square's of Venice.

Venice Boat Festivals Throughout the Year

A regatta is made up of various races using different kinds of boats: women and very young rowers race in their own categories. But, the Regatta di Sant'Erasmo, the last of the season, is a mixed regatta (one woman and one man racing together on the same boat).

• Regatta on the River of San Giobbe, Cannaregio, Venice, takes place during carnival on February 21
• Regata Storica, 1st Sunday of September
• Regatta di Caorle, mid-August
• Regata di Burano, 3rd Sunday of September
• Regata di Sant'Erasmo, late September-early October

Experience the Venice Regatta Festival with a Custom Italy Tour

Want to witness the magnificence of Venice's historic regattas firsthand? Avventure Bellissime creates custom tours of Italy that bring you right to the heart of these celebrated traditions. Enjou a Grand Canal boat tour in Venice or a Venice in a Day Tour with our expert guides, that will share insider knowledge about these centuries-old competitions. Contact us to craft your perfect Italian adventure around Venice's spectacular maritime events.