The Historical Regatta of Venice represents a unique and captivating moment, a symbol of the profound connection between the city and its millennial history. This event, held annually on the first Sunday of September, celebrates the tradition of Venetian rowing and evokes the grandeur and power of the Serenissima. Venice, with its canals, unique architecture, and unparalleled history, has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Oniusa Venezia.
Our brand draws from the very essence of Venice, a city embodying beauty, art, and culture at every corner. Each of our products is designed to evoke the magic of this city, bringing into the homes of those who choose us a fragment of the Venice that the Historical Regatta celebrates with such passion. The bond between Venice and Oniusa is inseparable: the city, with its colors, scents, and atmosphere, is the beating heart of every one of our creations.
During the Historical Regatta, Venice transforms into an open-air theater where history comes alive through the waters of the Grand Canal. It is a moment when the past and present meet, an opportunity to celebrate the art of rowing, but also to reflect on what this city has to offer the world—not only in terms of visual beauty but also as a continuous source of inspiration.
Oniusa Venezia, with its collections inspired by this unique city, aims to pay homage to Venice not only as a muse but as a symbol of creativity that spans centuries. Participating in the Historical Regatta or simply experiencing it through stories means immersing oneself in a tradition that continues to live on and influence the present. At Oniusa, we believe that each of our creations is a small piece of this history, a tribute to the city that inspires and guides us.
The Origins of the Historical Regatta and Its Meaning
The first evidence of a regatta in Venice dates back to the 13th century, a period when the city dominated Mediterranean trade and established itself as one of the most influential economic and cultural powers in Europe. The regattas were initially competitions among the boats of the Venetian fleet, not only celebrating the prowess of the rowers but also preparing and keeping the crews of military vessels in training.
Over time, the regatta became an increasingly symbolic event, representing the bond between Venice and its natural environment: the lagoon. The waters surrounding and traversing the city are not just a geographical feature but a true stage on which the millennial history of the Serenissima has unfolded. The Historical Regatta, with its parade of decorated boats and rowers in period costumes, evokes the ancient splendor of the Republic of Venice, offering spectators a spectacle that is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present.
The Historical Parade: A Journey Through Time
One of the most evocative elements of the Historical Regatta is the parade that precedes the actual competitions. This parade is not simply a prelude but a true journey through time, bringing the ancient Venetian traditions back to life. The boats parading along the Grand Canal, such as the bissone and peote, are richly decorated and crewed by figures in period costumes, representing historical and mythological characters linked to Venice’s history.
The parade particularly recalls the triumphant welcome given to Caterina Cornaro, the Queen of Cyprus when she renounced her throne in 1489 to become the Lady of Asolo under the protection of Venice. This episode is emblematic of the power and influence that Venice exerted in the Mediterranean, capable of absorbing even distant and regal territories into its sphere of influence. The passage of boats along the Grand Canal, accompanied by the sound of trumpets and the roll of drums, is a moment of great suggestion that captures the imagination of anyone watching, transporting them back in time.
The Competition: A Ritual of Excellence
After the parade, attention shifts to the races, which represent the beating heart of the Historical Regatta. These competitions are not just a test of physical ability but a true ritual that celebrates the tradition of Venetian rowing, a technique unique in the world practiced standing and facing forward. Venetian rowing is not just a matter of strength but also coordination, technique, and endurance, qualities that Venetian rowers pass down from generation to generation.
The most anticipated race is undoubtedly that of the gondolini, a competition that sees the city’s best rowers go head-to-head. The gondolini are lightweight and fast boats, specifically designed for regattas, and their race along the Grand Canal is a moment of pure adrenaline. Spectators, crowded along the banks or on the terraces of palaces, follow with bated breath every stroke, every turn, every overtaking maneuver, in a crescendo of emotions that culminates with the finish line near the prestigious Ca’ Foscari.
