Regata delle Befane
The Befane rowing on the Grand Canal on January 6th
About Regata delle Befane
Epiphany Rowing in Venice
The Regata delle Befane is one of the most beloved and folkloric events in the Venetian calendar. It takes place every January 6th, Epiphany Day, on the Grand Canal, and features five rowers from the Reale Società Canottieri Bucintoro dressed as Befana.
A Challenge on the World's Most Famous Waterway
The five "befani", aboard mascarete boats, compete by rowing in the Venetian style along the Grand Canal to the finish line under the Rialto Bridge, where a giant Befana stocking is set up for the occasion. The regatta, with its playful tone but genuine competitive spirit, is watched by Venetians and tourists who crowd the banks and bridges.
A Bucintoro Tradition
Organized by the Reale Società Canottieri Bucintoro 1882, the oldest rowing club in the city, the Regata delle Befane combines sport, tradition, and folklore. It is the first major event of the Venetian rowing year and a charming way for Venice to bid farewell to the Christmas holidays.
Regata delle Befane — edition 2026
The forty-fifth edition (XLV) of the Regata delle Befane animated the Grand Canal on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Five rowers from the Reale Società Canottieri Bucintoro, dressed as Befana, competed until the finish line under the Rialto Bridge, on a day of tradition and folklore that drew Venetians and tourists alike.
Programme Regata delle Befane 2026
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- 8:30 AM — Befane dressing at the Magazzini del Sale (club headquarters)
- 10:00 AM — Departure of the water procession along the Grand Canal
- 10:30 AM — Arrival at Rialto with the giant stocking
- 10:45 AM — Drawing of the race order
- 11:00 AM — Start of the regatta, with finish under the Rialto Bridge
- 11:30 AM — Award ceremony
The five competing "befani"
Riccardo Romanelli ("San Vio", blue, defending champion), Federico Bianchini ("Napa", yellow), Andrea Ciccarello ("Bon Fio", red), Sandro Inchiostro ("Saccarosio", white), and Francesco Guerra ("Ercolino", pink).
Highlights Regata delle Befane 2026
Prices Regata delle Befane 2026
Practical information — Regata delle Befane
How to get there
Venice is accessible by train (Santa Lucia station) and by plane (Marco Polo airport). The regatta can be watched from the banks of the Grand Canal; excellent viewing points include the Rialto Bridge and the surrounding fondamenta.
Admission
Free event, visible from the banks of the Grand Canal.
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Where does it take place — Regata delle Befane
Canal Grande
Canal Grande, 30100 Venezia