Historic Regatta
first Sunday in September
Grand canal

 For oarsman and Venetians this is the major boating event and festival; the entire Grand Canal is decked with flags and banners, and each palace along the waterway contributes to the colorful scene and festive mood by decorating its facade with hangings and heraldic insignia. A stately procession of ceremonial boats, called bissone, passes down the canal. Those on board are dressed in the 18th century period costume of drummers, heralds and oarsmen. This event is intended to commemorate the arrival in Venice of the queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro. After the procession comes the race, with six different categories of boats and rowers competing: gondola, gondolino (rowed by champions), pupparino (two oars, rowed by 14- to 17-years old), caorlina (six oars, manned by representatives of different sestieri), mascareta
(two oars, rowed by woman) and sandolo (small, flat-bottomed boat).

Photo gallery

More information at:
http://www.doge.it/regata/regatta.htm