Venice Historical Regatta

Back in Venice for our last few days in Italy, and just in time to catch the annual Historical Regatta. It is one of the most anticipated annual events in Venice, and celebrates its best known tradition: rowing.

Combining history and sport, the day’s events kick off with a procession of traditional boats from the 16th Century, with gondoliers wearing Venetian maritime costumes to celebrate the glorious past of the Venetian Republic. A water parade that transports kings and queens on lavish colourful boats, a faithful reconstruction of the royal reception given to Catherine Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, on her arrival in Venice in 1489, after her abdication in favour of the Republic.

This age-old traditional festival was the perfect way for us to farewell this evocative and atmospheric city.