English
Considered one of the most important dates on the year´s calendar, “Voga alla Veneta”, Venice´s Regata Storica brings together flocks of locals and tourists alike in aid of water sports and their history.
The rowing competitions have been held on the Venice lake for thousands of years – though nowadays, the competition is especially famous, thanks to the historical march which happens before the race. The delightful spectacle, which revives the glorious past of one of the mediterranean´s most influential and powerful marine capitals, represents a piece of history, with a number of typical 16th century style boats, with gondola men disguised by the traditional suits of the era, transporting the Duke, the Duchess and other high rank officials of Venice across the waters of the grand canal.
Since the middle of the 13th century, when the first regatta took place, as part of the traditional “Festa delle Marie” festival, the regattas have been a key celebration for both locals and foreigners. Venice, due to it´s geographical conditions, has always been a water city where rowers occupied a prominent role in local society – and this event serves as a kind of recognition of the important jobs they do for the wider Venice community.
In 1500, Jacopo dé Barbari made the first graphic representation of the event, with a map which illustrated groups of men rowing boats through the waters of the grand canal, accompanied by the word “Regata”. Ever since then, the regattas have been the favoured subject matter for artists wishing to depict the festive spirit of the city.
These days, the regatta is divided into four races, in which the rowers participate according to their type of vessel and their age. The most famous race is without a doubt the “Campioni Su Gondolini”, in which small sporting gondolas speed the canal´s waters at full force to get to the finishing line at the famous “Machina.”
So if you are a water sports aficionado, or you just love Italian history, La Regata Storica de Venecia is your kind of event. Don´t forget; 4th of September, 2011.
For more information: http://www.regatastoricavenezia.it/index.php?lang=en
Hans
Find apartments in Venice and take part in one of Italy´s funnest national celebrations – you won´t want to miss it.
Translated by: Poppy
