Historic Regatta of Venice 2025

Dancing water, oars cutting through the waves, bright colors reflected on the Grand Canal: The Historic Regatta of Venice is one of the most anticipated and spectacular events of theVenetian tradition Every year on first Sunday in September The lagoon city is transformed into a water theatre where history, tradition and competition come together to create a unique event.

Also this year, on 7. September, Venice will once again celebrate this ancient ritual that The Serenissima’s deep connection with water celebrates the vital element that has shaped the identity of this extraordinary city.

An indispensable opportunity for the guests of Camping Ca’Savio who want to enrich their stay with an authentic and captivating experience, immersed in the genuine Venetian culture.

Regata Storica: A centuries-old event

The Historical Regatta has its roots in the distant past of the “Serenissima” and is one of the oldest and most popular events in the lagoon city.

Already in the 13th century Venetian chronicles report boat races on the Grand Canal, which were organized to celebrate important events or to honor famous people. However, over the centuries, these nautical competitions were gradually structured and organized and developed from simple demonstrations of seafaring skills to real competitions.

Today’s event in its familiar form dates back to the year 1841 when the city of Venice decided to organize a race. In the year.1899 However, the then mayor of Venice, Count Filippo Grimani, officially named it “Regata Storica” (Historical Regatta), thus consolidating its format and rules.

Structure of the regatta

Today the event is divided into two main parts: The historic parade and the rowing competitions.

The Parade before the competitions with its richly decorated boats and the performers in historical costumes, recalls the Splendor of the Republic of Venice and their ancient public ceremonies. This Water Parade recalls in particular the reception of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, who renounced the throne in 1489 in favour of the “Serenissima”.

After the move, the actual competitions, with different categories of participants compete against each other: from young people to women to champions, who compete on gondolas, extremely light and fast boats. Winners preserve the traditional “Flagpoles”, colorful flags, which represent a coveted and prestigious award in the world of Venetian rowing.

The Regata Storica is not only a sporting competition, but also a large folk festival, in which citizens and visitors participate to keep alive the memory of a glorious past and to reaffirm the deep bond between Venice and its lagoon.

Interesting facts about the competition

One of the reasons why this competition is so special is the used rowing technique: the “Venetian Rowing”In contrast to Olympic rowing, the rowers in this technique stand upright, look forward, and use oars without oarlocks. This technique arose from the need to maneuver skillfully through the city’s narrow canals and maintain good visibility while sailing.

This upright position, which is Venetian boats characteristic, has developed over time into an art that is passed down from generation to generation and is an expression of the deep connection that Venetians have with their lagoon.

The traditional boats in the race

Gondolas

The gondolas stand for the excellence of venetian boatbuilding: They are made of fine wood and are skillfully shaped so that thanks to their streamlined shape remarkable speeds can be achieved.

They are the most famous boats of the main regatta: They are lighter, narrower and faster than traditional gondolas and were specially developed for competition.

Mascarete

The Mascarete owe their name to the “Maschera” (Maschereta in Venetian), i.e. the reinforcement at the bow, which makes them particularly robust despite their lightness, maneuverability and ease make them perfect for women’s competitions where technique and coordination outweigh brute strength.

Pupparini

The Pupparini with their characteristic tapered profile, take their name from their particularly elaborately crafted stern (in Venetian “puppa”). These boats, which were once used for the fast transport of people and valuable goods are now the ideal touchstone for young rowers who are entering the world of competitive rowing.

Caorline

The Caorline With their flat bottom and high sides, the “cargo ships” of the lagoon of Venice, the transport bulky and heavy goods Today, in their regatta version, they retain their original robustness, but are lighter and optimized for speed. The Caorline race represents the triumph of teamwork, in which six rowers must be perfectly coordinated.

Bissone

The Bissone are the true queens of the historical parade: long, colorful boats decorated with gilded sculptures and elaborate carvings. Their name probably derives from „biscia” (snake), due to their elongated and curved shape. On board, performers in historical costumes revive the atmosphere of Renaissance Venice and offer a spectacle of rare beauty that precedes the competition.

How does the historic Venice Regatta proceed?

The historic regatta runs along the Grand Canal The launch will take place on “Spaghetti”(a taut rope) in front of the public gardens of Castello in the Basin of San Marco From here, the boats cross the Grand Canal in its entire length, passing the Rialto Bridge and continue to the Santa Lucia Station.

Here is the„Palette”, a post in the middle of the canal, which serves as turning point The rowers must circumnavigate it and return along the Grand Canal until they reach the finish line in front of Ca’ Foscari, where the „Machina” is set up, a richly decorated floating structure housing the jury and from which the prizes are awarded.

This route of a total of about 7 kilometers tests the endurance and skills of the participants, who have to face not only their opponents but also the currents and waves of the channel, in an environment that technology and strategy requires.

Program of the Regata Storica 2025

On Sunday, September 7, the Regata Storica di Venezia offers a rich event program, which provides entertainment throughout the day.

The climax begins with the historic parade In the afternoon,various rowing competitions, each with different boats:

• The Regatta of the youngest on Pupparini with two oars
• The women’s regatta on Mascarete with two oars
• The regatta on Caorline with six oars
• The Regatta of Champions on gondolas with two oars, the eagerly awaited
• Highlight of the day.

Each competition offers the opportunity to admire not only the skills of the rowers, but also the beauty of traditional Venetian boats, which are true jewels of the local nautical culture.

What is the best way to see the Regata Storica?

To see the Regata Storica, is an unforgettable experience, but to fully enjoy the spectacle it is important to best vantage point. Here are some options to admire the event from privileged positions:

From the Ufer des Canal Grande

The water front promenades along the Grand Canal offer free viewing points, but it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a front-row spot. The most sought-after areas are those near the Rialto Bridge and near Ca’ Foscari, where the destination is located.

From the bridges

The bridges over the Grand Canal, especially the Accademia Bridge and the Rialto Bridge, offer excellent panoramic views of the regatta course. Here, too, it’s important to arrive very early to secure a good spot.

From a private boat

For an exclusive experience, you can rent a private boat with a skipper, from which you can watch the regatta up close and enjoy a unique perspective on the event.

From the terraces and balconies of the palazzi

Some hotels and restaurants overlooking the Grand Canal organize special events for the Regata Storica and offer the opportunity to watch the event from terraces and panoramic balconies. This option, while more expensive, guarantees comfort and a privileged view.

Floating stands

For this occasion, floating stands will be set up at some strategic points along the route, with paid seats from which you can comfortably enjoy the spectacle.

Regardless of the choice, the festive and captivating atmosphere of the Regata Storica offers a complete immersion in the most authentic Venetian culture. For Ca’Savio guests, a day at the „Regata Storica” therefore represents a unique experience, where past and present meet in the waters of the Venetian Riviera. Meet that have shaped the history of Venice.

Have you not got your holiday in September planned yet? Use the low season and book your stay at the Ca’Savio campsite, just a stone’s throw from Venice!