Regata Storica

Every year the Regata Storica takes place in the Canal Grande the first Sunday of September.

The historical regatta takes place primarily along the Grand Canal and is one of the most spectacular, picturesque and moving events of Venetian life. It is an event much appreciated by many tourists, but felt especially by the Venetians.

For Venice it is an important event that dates back to a remote time. It is not clear when the tradition of the Regata began. According to some researchers the origin could date back to 942. The first certain date in which the term regata appears in a document is 1274. In 1315 the Venetian Senate issued a decree that regulated the annual conduct of the regatta.

Even after the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, the practice of racing with boats continued.

In 1841 an annual regatta on the Canal Grande was regulated, organized in a manner very close to those present: the number of participating boats was limited to 9 (before there were virtually no limits) and the gondolas had to be all the same. In 1843 different colours were introduced to distinguish the crews: even today the gondolas used for the Regata are characterized not only by a number but also from hulls entirely painted in different colours, which once indicated the various areas of Venice and its lagoon.

A curiosity of this year: Voltolina will sponsor the red and yellow crews. The Regata Storica will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2014 starting from 4pm with the parade of 60 boats of the Venetian rowing associations for a total of 400 rowers. The parade commemorates the welcome given in 1498 to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, who renounced the throne in favor of Venice. Then the challenge of the champions will begin: may the best team win!

For more details, visit the offical website: http://www.regatastoricavenezia.it/