Venice, one of the most famous cities in the world. This Italian city is on every traveler’s list to visit during any time of the year.
During Christmas season, Venice has many things to offer even if the weather is not the best.
The most common things to do during the Christmas time are the Christmas markets along the canals, ice skating rinks, concerts or Christmas plays among other things. The particular tradition that Venice has is the regatta and the Santa Claus race.
If you find yourself in Venice doing one of your Venice small group tours and suddenly you see many Santa Clauses on the canals, it is surely the regatta.
For over 10 years, this regatta has been held as a Christmas tradition in mid-December and a very similar event is held on January 6. The Befana regatta is a completely Italian tradition and is related to the epiphany. It is about an old woman who goes on a wooden broom carrying gifts to good children and coal to bad children. This regatta takes place on the Grand Canal and here many “befanas” compete aboard their boats.
History of Santa Claus Regatta
Every year in Venice there are more than 120 regattas, most of them are rowing. This sport is unique and has been practiced in Venice for many years. Every event or happening is a good excuse to have a race. One of the most colorful is the Santa Claus regatta that has been held in Venice for over 10 years during the Christmas weekend.
Men, women and children participate in this race ready to win in their boats decorated with Christmas motifs. The event starts from San Marco square and ends at Rialto with many celebrations for the winners and participants.
On the other hand, at the same time, the Santa Claus race on land takes place. Every year about 1000 people dress up as Santa Claus to participate in the race through the narrow streets of Venice. Santa Clauses of all ages invade the city to have fun celebrating Christmas. If you are in Venice during Christmas time, you can take the Venice small group tours that includes the race dressed as Santa Claus.
Another important reason to participate is that all proceeds go to charity.
