June - Regatta of the 4 Maritime Republics - Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi
The main four medieval maritime republics in Italy were: Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi - extremely powerful city-states who controlled the Italian seas. In the 1950's, it was decided to commemorate these former powers by holding an annual regatta against each other. Each year the 2km race is held in a different port and the four teams of eight race each other in slender gondola-type rowing boats known as gozzi. Each vessel is painted in the territory's colour and its animal symbol - Blue with a winged horse is Amalfi; Green with a winged lion is Venice; White with a dragon is Genova; Red with an eagle is Pisa. As part of the celebrations, processions are organised with people dressed in period costumes, horse parades, shows, dancing and the re-enactment of cultural and historical events of each republic's past is a highlight not to be missed.