Regata Storica 2022

Regata Storica 2022, the most important event of the Voga alla Veneta (Row like a Venetian) calendar, will take place on Sunday, September 4, 2022, in Venice.

Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) is both a historical reenactment event and a sporting event, which takes place every year on the first Sunday of September, in Venice.

SHORT HISTORY

The nature of the Venetian Lagoon encouraged rowing since the first people settled in the area, who were forced to move mainly on water. It did not took long until the skills of the locals were recognized, and from here to the organization of rowing competitions it was only one step.

According to tradition, the origin of the regatta dates back to the year 942, when, during a popular festival, the pirates kidnapped some Venetian young women. Immediately, the pirates were chased by men in boats, who managed to catch them and release the women.

The first use of the term regata appears in a document of 1274, proving that regattas took place as early as the 13th century. The public authorities of the time began to encourage this type of sporting activity, to prepare the crews of the battleships in the event of conflicts at sea.

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the regattas were organized by Compagnie della Calza, a theatrical association which arranged feasts and games in Venice. In 1631, the Council of Ten (Consiglio dei Dieci), one of the major governing bodies of the Republic of Venice, decreed that only the State could organize the regattas.

The name Storica (Historical) was introduced in 1899, on the proposal of the mayor of the time, Filippo Grimani. In the same year, a historical procession was also proposed, to commemorate the triumphal reception in Venice of Catherine Cornaro, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Cyprus. The Queen, coming from a wealthy and influential Venetian family, abdicated in 1489 in favor of Venice, being applauded upon her return.

In 1939, due to the beginning of the Second World War, the Historical Regatta was cancelled, and it resumed only in 1946. Since 1946, the event took place every year.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Today, Regata Storica begins with an impressive procession of boats similar to those of the 16th century, which navigate the Grand Canal, headed by a replica of the famous Bucintoro (Bucentaur), the festive ship of the Doges of Venice.

Seven rowing races take place on this day, structured by category, according to the age of the crew and the number of rowing men. The races usually start in the San Marco Basin, run along the Grand Canal, passing by Ponte dell’Accademia, to finally reach the Ca’ Foscari Palace, where a floating platform called Machina marks the finish line.

September 4, Sunday:

• 4.00 pm – Historical parade along the Grand Canal, with costumed crews, boats and gondolas;
• 4.30 pm – Maciarele and Schie regatta, two-oared regatta dedicated to children;
• 4.50 pm – Young rowers’ twin-oared regatta;
• 5.10 pm – Six-oared caorline regatta;
• 5.40 pm – Women’s twin-oared mascarete regatta;
• 6.10 pm – Twin-oared gondolini regatta.