When: September 4
Where: Venice, Italy
Cost: Free

On the first Sunday of September, everyday business comes to a halt and ancient business resumes as Venice stages the Historic Regatta.

The famous Grand Canal is filled with beautifully crafted 13th- century boats and its banks are lined with thousands of spectators.

Celebrations begin with a boat parade, headed by a vessel holding the famous bucintoro, a symbol of Serenissima rule. It commemorates the arrival of Caterina Cornaro, wife of the king of Cyprus, who in 1489 gave up her throne in favour of Venice.

Then comes the regatta itself. It consists of four separate competitions, the most en-thralling involving double-oared gondolas.

Art displays in the piazza, music and more celebrations on board modern gondolas entertain the crowds before and after the races.

Fly to Venice with Ryanair.

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