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In the first Sunday in September there is the
Regata Storica, the annual trial of strength and skill for the
city's gondoliers and other expert rowers.
The water procession re-evokes the triumphant welcome accorded by the
Serenissima to the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, who had
"donated" her kingdom to Venice in 1489.
The Regata Storica starts with a procession of decorated historic
craft along the Canal Grande course, their crews all decked out in
period dress. Bystanders are expected to join in the support for the
contestants in them main event, and may even be issued with
appropriate colours.
There are four actual races :
- reserved for the Very Young crew;
- Women;
- Male crews (on 6-oared caorline);
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rowing champions: constitutes the high spot of the event, that
is to say it sees the famous rowing champions compete on gondolini
which are a sporting development of the gondola and are only used
in the city's major rowing contest.
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