REGATTAS

The historical regatta is the most typically venetian rowing race along the scenic canal Grande it dates back to the second hag of the Xlll century. It is a spectacular competitions whose origins are the rowing races which were popular in Venice. It was considered vital for the city to have expert cars man. Regatta storica is the most important row race and his preceded by a beautiful procession of historical boats with crews dressed in historical and traditional costumes.

During the year there are other races in Venice and it's province (Burano, Caorle, Riviera del brenta..) Fans are very passionate: every weigh borhood has it's team, and the venetian people Fans are an attraction in itself to tourist. In ancient times, before race it was necessary to have a fleet of "bissone" to precede the race and keep order. These boats take still part to the parade but they do not perform any more a police functions.

Then come the "bissoni" (8 oared gondoles) the balantine (6 oared gondolas) the magnificent and lavish ceremonial gondolas and the multi -oared boared booth belonging to the various rowing clubs then the regattas start: the one of the young, one for the women, one for the hads called "caroline" and finally the most exciting of all the one for 2 oared gondolas that are numbered and differently coloured.

The finish line for these regattas is at the band in the grand canal between Palazzo Balbi and Ca' Foscari. Here stand so called "macchina", a wooden construction in baroque style decorated with statues where the VIPs sit and where the winners receive their prizes.