Dozens of boating Santas race in Venice's Grand Canal
AFP - [email protected]
Published: 17 Dec, 2017 CET.
Updated: Sun 17 Dec 2017 16:35 CET
Dozens of rowers dressed as Father Christmas raced down Venice's Grand Canal on Sunday, cheered on by crowds gathered to watch the annual fancy-dress regatta.
Organised by the University Ca' Foscari, the eighth edition of the race set off from Saint Mark's Square, with champions and amateurs competing in traditional "mascarete" boats -- once the domain of fishermen.
They were followed by a water parade of fellow Father Christmases in "bissone", "caorline" and dragon boats -- flat vessels with six to eight rowers each that nipped down the canal in the winter sunshine.
Since it began in 2009, the regatta has been held in the run-up to Christmas. Those feeling particularly sporty -- or keen on losing Santa-sized stomachs -- can take part afterwards in a race through the Italian city's
allies and squares.
Comments
See Also
Organised by the University Ca' Foscari, the eighth edition of the race set off from Saint Mark's Square, with champions and amateurs competing in traditional "mascarete" boats -- once the domain of fishermen.
They were followed by a water parade of fellow Father Christmases in "bissone", "caorline" and dragon boats -- flat vessels with six to eight rowers each that nipped down the canal in the winter sunshine.
Since it began in 2009, the regatta has been held in the run-up to Christmas. Those feeling particularly sporty -- or keen on losing Santa-sized stomachs -- can take part afterwards in a race through the Italian city's
allies and squares.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.