Lake Rowing Clubs Celebrate Carnival with “The Masked Bisse” Race

It’s Carnival time, and even the lake rowing clubs have decided to celebrate it. On Sunday, in the Gulf of Maderno, an event called “the masked bisse” will take place, organized by the Bignotti brothers.

Eight crews, who participate in the Palio during the summer, have decided to challenge each other on the day of confetti and streamers. In the afternoon, they will compete in a series of head-to-head races on traditional Venetian boats. The coxswain from Peschiera will dress as a pirate.

There will also be Lazise’s ghost, the friar from the Eremo of Clusane (Lake Iseo), the clown from Garda, the Indian from the prairies of Toscolano Maderno, the Pierrot from Portese, the Harlequins of Lazise and Gardone Riviera. The costumes will be quite loose-fitting to avoid hindering the rowing.

Program and details of the races

At 2:30 PM, along the lakeside promenade, the king and queen dressed in 18th-century costumes will parade: they will serve as godparents. All races will follow the match race format, head-to-head. The crews will be divided into two groups of four, each facing the other three. At the end, the final race among the strongest will take place. The distance is 550 meters.

The start will be alternated: one bisse will head south (the other north), will turn at the first buoy, then race along the straight, past the second buoy, towards the finish line. Spectators can enjoy tea, soft drinks, and mulled wine.

Sponsors and related initiatives

Sponsors include: Zambarda di Roè Volciano, Elite Formaggi di Asola (Mantua). Local merchants and hoteliers will also contribute.

“We take this opportunity to also organize the traditional masked parade, which in recent years has been coordinated with the help of the youth from the parish: a jury will award the most original costume,” explains Bruno Bignotti, who, along with his brother Giampaolo, is the soul of the event.

Last month, the two organized a bisse challenge between Santa Claus and La Befana. On Sunday, February 25, the rowers from Toscolano Maderno will head to Venice. They have been invited to participate in the race held on the Canal Grande, which will be televised by RAI. They will race on two boats supplied by the Doge and will conclude the Carnival.