Santa Ubaldesca Historical Regatta

A rowing tradition nearly two centuries old

The Santa Ubaldesca Historical Regatta is the beating heart of the celebrations in Calcinaia, a town in the Province of Pisa overlooking the Arno in the heart of Tuscany. Reaching its 189th edition in 2026, the event traditionally takes place on the last Sunday of May and stands as one of the most defining cultural appointments for the lower Valdarno area. The regatta honors Saint Ubaldesca Taccini, the town's patron saint, and commemorates the ancient work of the navicellai (boatmen) of Calcinaia who transported goods along the Arno to the port of Livorno.

The three districts and the challenge on the Arno

The competition pits the three historic districts of Calcinaia against each other, each tied to an ancient social component of the town:

• La Nave, north of the Arno near the medieval castle, symbol of the feudal nobility;
• Montecchio, to the northeast, representing the middle class;
• Oltrarno, south of the river, representing the rural and working-class world.

The race is held along a 700-meter course on Lungarno Mazzini, in three lanes marked by buoys. Each district fields a boat with six rowers and a coxswain, in a challenge that combines strength, technique, and district pride.

The historical costume parade

The regatta is preceded by an evocative historical costume parade of the three districts, which winds through the town center, recreating the atmosphere of old-time Calcinaia. Flags, period costumes, and processions lead the public to the riverbanks, where the anticipation for the start becomes palpable.

The Maggio Calcinaiolo

The Historical Regatta is the highlight of the Maggio Calcinaiolo, a program of events that enlivens the Municipality of Calcinaia throughout the month. The schedule weaves together devotion, sport, and gastronomy: the Sagra della Nozza in Piazza Indipendenza, the Rowing Palio training sessions between the districts, the solemn procession with the relic of the Arm of Saint Ubaldesca, and, as a grand finale, the large communal dinner organized by the Deputation and the districts.

An event to experience

Participating in the Santa Ubaldesca Historical Regatta means immersing yourself in an authentic popular tradition, far from the major tourist circuits and deeply rooted in the community. It is an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Tuscany, where the Arno river continues to be the protagonist of the life and collective memory of Calcinaia.