The historical re-enactment and the Historic Regatta on the Brenta Canal, in the footsteps of Henry III of France
Riviera Fiorita is the event that, since 1977, re-enacts the lavish passage of King Henry III of Valois along the Riviera del Brenta in 1574, on his return from Poland to France. Fascinated by the beauty of the Venetian villas, the sovereign expressed great appreciation for this corner of the Venetian mainland, welcomed with great pomp by the local nobility.
The heart of the festival is the Historic Regatta, a grand water procession on the Brenta Canal. Historic boats from the Venice Regatta, rowing boats from the rowing clubs, and hundreds of costumed figures parade from Stra towards Mira โ where the procession stops around noon in front of Villa Contarini dei Leoni โ and then continues to Malcontenta, where the rowing clubs are awarded.
The Historic Regatta is the culmination of a real week of events held in the preceding days: guided tours of Venetian villas (Villa Widmann, Villa Moscheni Volpi, Villa Valier Corรฒ), theatrical performances, conferences on the traditions of the lagoon, boat tours and gondola rides, cycling and slow mobility routes of about 35 km along the river, tastings, and craft markets. Organised by the Riviera Fiorita Committee with the Municipality of Mira, it is one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in the Veneto region, attracting over a thousand participants.
The 48th edition of Riviera Fiorita culminates in the Historic Regatta on Sunday, September 13, 2026 (second Sunday in September), confirmed by Pro Loco Mira. In the preceding days, the usual week of cultural events takes place along the Riviera del Brenta.
The water procession of the Historic Regatta โ vintage boats from the Venice Regatta, boats from the rowing clubs, and hundreds of costumed figures โ parades from Stra towards Mira, with a midday stop in front of Villa Contarini dei Leoni, and then continues to Malcontenta, where the awards for the rowing clubs are held. Around the regatta, the week offers villa visits, theatrical performances, boat tours, cycling tours, and tastings. The detailed program and times will be published by the organizers in the weeks prior.
Week of events (days preceding the regatta):
Sunday, September 13, 2026 โ Historic Regatta:
Over 1,000 participants including costumed figures and rowers. Info at riviera-fiorita.it.
Mira and the Riviera del Brenta can be reached from the SS11 Padana Superiore. By car, exit Dolo-Mirano from the A4 motorway. By train, Dolo or Mira-Mirano station.
The second Sunday in September for the Historic Regatta (September 13, 2026), preceded by the week of cultural events.
Water procession with free admission along the banks; seats on accompanying boats by reservation. Info: IAT Office of Villa Widmann, [email protected], +39 041 5600690.
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Naviglio del Brenta (Stra โ Mira โ Malcontenta)
Villa Contarini dei Leoni, Riviera Silvio Trentin, 30034 Mira