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Regata Storica in Venice

Paul Oilzum

The race, which has been taking place in Venice in one way or another for thousands of years, is not the most important thing. The truly memorable thing about the Regata Storica, which will take place on this wonderful city on the Adriatic Sea on the 2nd of September, is the floating parade that precedes the competition (http://regatastoricavenezia.it/index.php?lang=en&pg=1&page=1). This explosion of colour and lavish unfolding of costumes and boats from a time that seems to enchant us and suddenly take us into a painting of Canaletto whose name we don´t remember, is the exact existing reconstruction of 16th century emblematic Venice, a Venice that aside from time and space makes us vibrate deeply and delicately with all of its wavy and striking beauty along the Grand Canal to the bays of St Marco. Classified by seniority and the type of boats, it´s not actually one race but four. The most famous, fast and thrilling of them is the one known as the Campioni su Gondolini, which ends in the spectacular floating stage, that usually rises for the occasion, of the Ca´ Foscari Palace. In the two hours that are in between of the wonderful aquatic parade and the Campioni su Gondolini, three other regattas will take place consecutively that will race on the startling marine surfaces of the Grand Canal and Rialto at unsuspected speeds. Even so, as part of the occasion of the Regata Storica, from the 29th of August until the 25th of September, you can admire a wonderful historical exhibition at the Cassa di Risparmio that documents the history of the event through a series of paintings, costumes and...

Venice for Children

Alexa Ray

There are many destinations to visit this summer. The beach, the countryside, historic cities etc. Many opportunities await you during the holiday season to be discovered, while exploring a new world of experiences; ranging from food, rides, romances and drinks. Traveling is to recognize yourself as a different person in a whole new place. When you reach the age to start a family, surely you’ll realize that in addition to live with our family, we also have to travel with them. What a surprise! The truth is that as with many other changes in life, exploring the world with children can be a wonderful and enriching experience for both parents and children. When it comes to a city like Venice, you can find many options that will make your children and yourself to spend a fantastic time! Among the most famous “family friendly” restaurants in Venice, there is “Al Vaporetto”, which is located on the way to Campo Manin. Their dessert menu is very delicious to please your children, especially their cakes, and pies of different flavors. In this restaurant, apart of the several vegetarian options you’ll also find Pizza and spaghetti. Another very good option if you want to have a fun family time is “Pizza con Gusto”, which serves delicious pizzas in the Lido area. In Lido, you can also rent bikes with your children, you’ll be at the fingertips of the sea, so, don’t miss the opportunity to go with your kids to the beach and play around in the sand. The sea has always given joy to children and adults. To arise the curiosity...

Costume rental Venice

Mónica Boixeda

At Marega you can find carnival costumes for men and women with all the accessories you can imagine. Costumes for sale and rental.

Venice Bike Rental

Mónica Boixeda

Venice Bike Rental, as its name indicates, offer bicycles to rent. The company has its base on the Venetian island of Lido, right in front of St Marco´s Square.

Bugno Art Gallery Venice

Mónica Boixeda

In the heart of Venice, in San Marco´s Square, we can find Bugno Art Gallery, with a good selection of contemporary sculptures and photographs.

Ride Italy Venice

Mónica Boixeda

Ride Italy is a company that rents motorbikes in Venice. They will bring and pick up your vehicle to the hotel door or to your accommodation.

Concerts in the church of San Vincenzo Venice

Mónica Boixeda

In the church of San Vincenzo in Venice there are classical music concerts all year long.

The celestial voices of the ‘castrati’

Mónica Boixeda

In music, we are aware of the existance of eunuch singers towards the end of the first period of the Byzantine Empire in the 5th century AD. Empress Aelia Eudoxia had a eunuch choir master called Brisona, who presumably established the use of the ´castrati´ in Byzantine choirs. Between the 9th and 12th century, we have the example of the choir of the Basilica of Santa Sophia in Constantinople. Some experts say that the Spanish ´falsetti´ sopranos could have been ´castrati´ up until the time when Spain was no longer influenced by the Arabs. There are some centuries that we practically have no documents of and, suddenly, in 16th century Italy, they once again become relevant, when the first castrated children were Spanish. The duke Alfonso II of Ferrara was one of the first enthusiasts of these ´new´ singers. Different popes began to gather this type of singers for their choirs. Apparently, one of the first ones to enter the choirs of the pontiffs was Francisco Soto de Langa, from Spain, in 1562. The great use of these resided in the tones that they could reach, reserved on many occasions for women, who could not sing in the liturgies. Thirty-two popes enjoyed the ´castrati´ in the Sistine Chapel. The practice wasn´t legal or recognized, in fact, many children died due to the infections caused by these traumatic interventions. For those who didn´t accomplish fame, in the best of cases they reserved a place in the choir of some church, and it seems that many were forced to enter prostitution. Some of the most famous ´castrati´ were Matteo Sassano (Matteuccio),...