|
History of the Regata Storica
Venetians first organized a rowing race in the thirteenth
century and they've been doing it ever since. Regata Storica,
held since 1825, marks the annual trial of strength and skill
for the city's gondoliers and other expert rowers. On the
first Sunday of September every year, thousands of Venetians
turn out to do what the Venetians do best - indulge in a spectacular
display of pageantry and race their gondolas.
The Venice regattas started as military exercises for crossbowmen
on the Lido and developed into popular events for all
Venetians, for whom the sea and everything to do with it was
a way of life. The historical procession of the Regata
Storica commemorates the welcome given to Caterina
Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, in 1489 after she
renounced her throne in favour of Venice.
What happens at the Regata
Storica?
Parade of historic boats
It begins with a procession of fifteenth century replica boats,
with the famous Bucintoro, the boat representing La
Serenissima (the serene city), at its head lead by the
Bucintoro Rowing Club. The boatmen parade down the
Grand Canal; you will see the bucio - a type
of boat used by the Doge (Duke) of Venice, the bissioni
(eight-oared gondolas), and the balotine (six-oared
gondolas).
Boat races
The parade is followed by four different types of races, starting
with the pupparini boats for children, the mascarete
boats races for women, the caorline boats races with
six oars for men, and finally the gondolini boat races
for the champions. Every neighbourhood in Venice has its own
team and loyal fans cheering their boys and girls on. The
reigning champion rowers are the two brothers Vignotto.
The races are the highlight of the competitive calendar for
rowers of the 'voga ad un solo remo' (one-oared rowing)
technique, who row standing up.
Route of the races
The route of the race starts at the spagheto, a rope
marking the starting point at Giardini dell Biennale,
crosses the basin of St. Mark's, enters the Grand
Canal up to the paleto marking post at the Church of
Santa Chiara where the boats have to turn around and race
back to the finish line near Ca Foscari, to a large
raft - ornately carved, decorated and gilted - called the
machina. The VIPs are on the Machina, along with flags
which the first four crews must grab - the winner takes red,
the runner-up white, followed by green and blue. Spectators
watch the races along the route, cheering on the teams. After
the races, the canals explode again to life with yet more
boats, performance displays in the piazzas, drinking and celebrating
well into the night. |
