The spectacular Venetian regatta – Regata Storica

This Sunday, Venice’s Grand Canal will be transported back to its glorious past at the Regata Storica, the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar. 16th-Century-style boats carry local dignitaries along the Grand Canal surrounded by gondoliers in colourful period costumes, followed by four boat races.

Every first Sunday in September, the spectacular Regata Storica parades down the Grand Canal, the main waterway in Venice.  The Regata Storica is one of the great Italian traditions that has deep roots in Venice’s history.

This unique sport has been practised in the Venetian lagoon for thousands of years and today it is particularly well-known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. An unforgettable sight and a true reconstruction of the glorious past of one of most the powerful and influential Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean. Check out our favourite photos of the water pageant.

The Venetian regatta has always consisted of various races with different kinds of boat (originally these included galleys, peatoni, and barges, as well as lighter boats rowed by two or more oarsmen). The historical water festival departs from Punta della Dogana, and includes several typical 16th century boats rowing down the Canal with the Doge, his wife, and dignitaries dressed in period costume. After the pageant and in keeping with the ancient Venice seafaring tradition, follows a series of regatta races divided into categories by age, gender and boat typology.  The last race is the speed race, campionissimi or great champioins’ on twin-oared gondolini, the most anticipated race and unique in the world.  To purchase tickets for this annual event, visit www.regatastoricavenezia.it.