Garda Lake Rowing Championship Begins June 17 in Salò
The 33rd edition of the “Lega Bisse del Garda” championship will commence with the race taking place on Saturday, June 17th, at 8:00 PM in the waters of the Gulf of Salò. At the starting line of the traditional contest between the rowing crews from the towns of Benaco, sixteen boats will compete, representing eleven rowing clubs with Venetian-style rowing, that is, standing up with a single oar each.
From Saturday through all of August, always during nighttime, the rowing summer will be animated by the quest for the symbolic, yet highly coveted, «Bandiera del Lago» trophy. This event is undoubtedly attractive from a tourist perspective, as it combines folklore parades both on land and in the water, featuring rowers dressed in club colors, accompanied by banners and additional entertainment activities.
Origins and Course of the Championship
A testament to an ancient custom dating back to the times of the Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia. It comprises ten events, with the rowing caravan moving after the opening race in Salò to Garda on the eastern shore of the lake on Saturday, June 24th.
Five more events will follow in July, held in Gargnano, Iseo, Portese, Lazise, and Gardone Riviera, in that order. The last three races, all taking place in August, will be conducted in three towns along the «Riviera degli Olivi»: Cassone, Bardolino, and Peschiera (August 29th), in homage to «Ichtya», the bissa boat holder of the trophy.
The Support and Significance of the Championship
The championship is supported by the Community of Garda, which stands as a testament to a heritage — as emphasized by the president of the «Lega Bisse», Franco Poli — handed down from the cultural tradition and the history of the Benaco territory.
