La Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare , Italy

La Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare is the name given to the spectacular historical boat race and procession that takes place every year in the wonderful city of Italy. This event is held under the patronage of the President of the Italian Republic and the original four Italian maritime republics - Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi take turns to host the event.

Established in the year 1955, this race is time when the aforementioned maritime regions compete against each other. The race is preceded by a massive historical parade, with costumes and spectacular boats, in which themes and scenes from the medieval history of the four republics are presented.

The Regatta takes place on a 2 km long path, which differs from place to place. The winner of the race receives a trophy as a reward in gold and silver, made by the Florentine goldsmith school. The four cities present themselves garbed in their traditional colours, with banners carrying emblematic animals - blue and a winged horse for Amalfi, white and the griffin for Genoa, green and St Mark's lion for Venice and red and the eagle for Pisa. The participating cities take the race to the wires as it is considered to be a symbol of honour to take the trophy home!