Today is a holiday here in Italy called La Festa della Repubblica, which celebrates the vote on June 2, 1946 that ended the Italian monarchy and established Italy as a republic. Many of you might remember from last year that the 2nd of June is also when the Regata Storica delle Repubbliche Marinare, or the Historical Regatta of the Maritime Republics, often takes place. Since 1956, Italy’s four historic maritime Republics of the Middle Ages, Venice, Pisa, Genoa, and Amalfi, have been competing in an annual Regatta. Each city has a team of eight rowers and a helmsman who race 12th-century style boats, which you can see in the photo above. (Amalfi is blue, Pisa is red, Genoa is white and Venice is green.)
This year the regatta is taking place in Genoa, and I’d love to be there today to see the historical parade and watch the race. Two years ago I saw the regatta in Amalfi, and it was a splendid day! You can see the photos and watch a video in my post here. But like many Amalfitans, I will be in Genoa in spirit today rooting for the Amalfi team. Forza Amalfi!!
I would love to see that Regata, of course in Amalfi!
Ciao LindyLouMac! I can't wait until it returns to Amalfi. It's a great event! This year I'll be watching the Regatta this evening on TV. I'm so happy it is broadcast! 🙂
I will try and catch that on TV later then, thanks for the info.
It looks like it will be on at 18:50 on Rai 2. Enjoy!
Thanks laura 🙂
Results of the 55th Historical Regatta of the Maritime Republics:
1st Pisa
VERY close 2nd AMALFI!!
3rd Venice
4th Genoa
The Amalfi team did a fantastic job, coming in less than half a boat's length behind Pisa. 2nd two years in a row… I think next year is our year to WIN! Next year the regatta will be held in Venice.
Laura it was great to watch! I am not sure if you are on FB but I have just posted a link to this Blog entry of yours about the race on my page 🙂
Beautiful boats!
Ciao LindyLouMac! Just sent a FB friend request to you. 🙂
Ciao Gil! I just love these boats. There are two in Amalfi, one they practice with and the one they race. Often you can spot the practice one pulled up on the land near the port. They are entirely wood, and the colors are so beautiful!
Hi Laura!
I have awarded you an award over at my blog. xx
Laura,
I watched the regatta on Rai Internazionale on our cable service, on a time delay. Amalfi pulled ahead a couple times and I was cheering for them but it was sssssoooooo close.
Ciao Bryan! I had to wait an hour and a half to watch it on TV here in Italy. I know…. it really looked like Amalfi was going to make it. The team is so young, and they did a really good job. Next year we'll wim! 🙂