The photo above, along with any photo of a Lion of Saint Mark, always symbolizes for me the spirit of Venice. Every gondola its own version of some wonderful fanciful creature, very often a seahorse.
From the brochure:
The Regatta Storica opens with a historical parade, re-enacting the welcome in 1489 of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, when she renounced her throne in favor of the rule of Venice. The Regatta is in typical 16th Century style, led by Serenissima, the boat that represents the Republic of Venice, manned by 18 oarsmen with a helmsman [sounded like that scene in 'Ben-Hur']. Following are about ten pageant boats with gondoliers in typical costume who transport the Doge, Duchess Caterina and other important people from the ancient government of Venice. La Serenissima is above, with the great Venetian flag dragging through the waters.
We were presented with a choice: to go to Rovere in the mountains to the funghi (mushroom) festival, or to go to Venice to see a gazillion boats coming down the Canalasso (the Grand Canal). This is like another choice we made: do we want to retire to North Carolina (nothing against NC) or to Italy? As you can see, Venice won.
I love the photo below...the all-oars-up (there must be a nautical term for this manuever) salute to the crowd.
The photo above, along with any photo of a Lion of Saint Mark, always symbolizes for me the spirit of Venice. Every gondola its own version of some wonderful fanciful creature, very often a seahorse.
From the brochure: The Regatta Storica opens with a historical parade, re-enacting the welcome in 1489 of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, when she renounced her throne in favor of the rule of Venice. The Regatta is in typical 16th Century style, led by Serenissima, the boat that represents the Republic of Venice, manned by 18 oarsmen with a helmsman [sounded like that scene in 'Ben-Hur']. Following are about ten pageant boats with gondoliers in typical costume who transport the Doge, Duchess Caterina and other important people from the ancient government of Venice. La Serenissima is above, with the great Venetian flag dragging through the waters.
We were presented with a choice: to go to Rovere in the mountains to the funghi (mushroom) festival, or to go to Venice to see a gazillion boats coming down the Canalasso (the Grand Canal). This is like another choice we made: do we want to retire to North Carolina (nothing against NC) or to Italy? As you can see, Venice won.
I love the photo below...the all-oars-up (there must be a nautical term for this manuever) salute to the crowd. 
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