Venice Historical Regatta 2025: Program & Best Viewing Spots
The Venice Historical Regatta is one of the most cherished and iconic events in the lagoon city. More than just a sporting competition, it’s a celebration of identity that brings the entire city together.
Dating back to the 13th century and formally established during the Renaissance, the Regatta was originally a training event for the oarsmen of the Serenissima – an essential part of maintaining Venice’s maritime dominance.
Today, for Venetians, it represents a deep connection to their roots: a festive occasion that intertwines rowing tradition, civic pride, and cultural spectacle.
📅 When and Where
This year, the Regatta will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as it does every year on the first Sunday of September, along the Grand Canal. The course begins in St. Mark’s Basin, winds up to Ca’ Foscari, and includes a turn around the paleto marker near San Marcuola or Ca’ Farsetti.
All along the route, Venetians and visitors line the canal banks, framed by the city’s historic buildings, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
📋 The Official Program
Sunday, September 7 – Regatta Day
3:30 PM – Historical and Sporting Parade
A breathtaking procession of historic boats and gondolas, complete with participants in period costumes and members of Venice’s rowing associations, recreating the grandeur of the Venetian Republic.
Route: St. Mark’s Basin → Grand Canal → Rialto → Railway Station → back along the Grand Canal to Ca’ Foscari.
4:00 PM – Regatta delle Maciarele and Schie
Races in two-oared mascarete for the youngest rowers:
- Maciarele Senior (up to 14 years old) → from Punta della Dogana to Ca’ Foscari
- Maciarele Junior (up to 12 years old) → from San Stae to Ca’ Foscari
- Schie (up to 10 years old) → from Rialto to Ca’ Foscari
4:30 PM – Young Girls’ Regatta in two-oared mascarete
Route: St. Mark’s Basin → Grand Canal → turn around the paleto (Ca’ Farsetti) → finish at Ca’ Foscari
4:50 PM – Young Boys’ Regatta in two-oared pupparini
Same course as the Young Girls’ Regatta.
5:10 PM – Six-oared Caorline Regatta
A traditional competition between six teams on large, sturdy boats — symbols of the Venetian rowing tradition.
At the same time, the International University Rowing Challenge takes place, pitting Ca’ Foscari/IUAV against foreign teams in eight-oared galleons.
5:40 PM – Women’s Regatta in two-oared mascarete
An all-female race showcasing both elegance and technical skill, along the Grand Canal.
6:10 PM – Two-oared Gondolini Regatta
The highlight of the day. The sleek, lightning-fast gondolini race in a thrilling sprint to the Ca’ Foscari finish line.
🚣 The Boats of the Regatta
Each type of boat tells part of Venice’s history:
- Caorline – strong and stable, once used for transporting goods.
- Mascarete – light and maneuverable, suitable for female rowers as well.
- Pupparini – small and narrow, perfect for training young rowers.
- Gondolini – elegant and streamlined, representing the pinnacle of Venetian rowing.
🏨 Experiencing the Regatta as Our Guest
Staying at our hotel during the Regatta means enjoying the event like a true local.
- We recommend arriving along the Grand Canal by 3:00 PM to secure a good viewing spot.
- Best vantage points: Accademia Bridge, Campo San Tomà, Fondamenta del Traghetto, or near Ca’ Foscari to see the finish.
- For those who want to soak up the atmosphere before race day: head to Campo della Salute in the days prior, where the gondolini are blessed, and the crews are officially presented.