Historical Regata
The first historical record of the Venetian Regata dates back to the mid-13th century, but it might have existed long before this date. The term “regata” probably derives from aurigare, a verb used in the 16th century as a synonym of boat racing. In 1866, when Venice became part of the Kingdom of Italy, the Regata became a celebration of the glorious history of the Republic of Venice and in 1899 it officially took the name of Regata Storica (Historical Regatta).
As a matter of fact, every year an elaborated carved, gaily coloured floating structure, called the machina, is moored in front of Ca’ Foscari Palace. This structure represents both the finishing line and the stage where the prize awarding ceremony takes place.
The historical procession – a parade of typical 16th century boats – opens the event, commemorating the welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, wife of the King of Cyprus, when she renounced the throne in 1489 for the sake of Venice. After that many different competitions with various types of boats take place: the regatta in gondolini, in caorline, the women's regatta in mascarete and the young rowers' regatta in pupparini.
Ca’ Foscari and IUAV Universities have been participating in this boat race with their students since 2005.
Read more about this topic: Ca' Foscari University Of Venice
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