European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 28, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                I r a i r \58&sssssfics-t to a  Asp a die Sun sparkled Waters of Venice s grand canal in front of the Church of Santa Maria Della Salute. Trumpeters add excitement to the procession As it sails Down the Lagoon City s main  14 stripes Magazine april.28, 1994 continued from Page 13 cared and Arfe frequently sponsored by Banks or rowing clubs. There Are races for youngsters for two Man gondolas and for women. The women racers Superb athletes garbed in tunic like costumes Are particular crowd pleases. The races watched by tens of thousands of cheering spectators go on until Early evening. Venice started holding its regattas in the Middle Ages and while the origin of the word is somewhat of a mystery t1 s no doubt that the City gave the word for a competitive event raced in boats to the rest of the world. ". Although september s historical regatta is a one of a kind event Venice and its neighbouring communities stage a number of other regattas All with fierce rowing and some with colourfully decorated crafts during the warm months. The regatta season is about to get under Way. Here according to the Venice tourist office Are some of the major scheduled events Mestre regatta starts at 5 30 . On May 8. Mestre on the Mainland is linked to Venice by a Long causeway carrying Road and rail traffic. The race starting in Mestre s canal Salso is aside from the historical regatta the Only one featuring the largest class of racing boats. La Sensa regatta starts at 4 . On May .15. The Start of this race is off St. Mark s Square and it finishes at the Lido the City s Beach resort. Strong currents make this race very difficult St Erasmo regatta starts at 5 . On june 5. This is the first race of the season in which women take part. The course follows the coastline of the verdant Island of St. Erasmo out in the Lagoon. Regatta of saints John and Paul starts at 5 . On june 28. The racecourse starts out in the Lagoon and loops around the Island of St Michele before finishing in Venice off the Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo Venice s most spectacular Square after St. Mark s. Murano regatta starts at 4 . On july 3. Murano is famed the world Over for its blown Glass. This race cuts right through the heart of the Island on its own grand canal. Redentore regatta starts at 5 . On july 17. This event is one not to miss because it coincides with the feast of the Redentore celebrated by a procession that crosses the wide Giu Decca canal on a Bridge of boats. Capped by a spectacular fireworks display it is one of the highlights of the venetian Calendar Pel Lestrina regatta starts at 5 . On aug. 7. The races Are run alongside the coast of the Barrier Island and fishing Community known As Pel Lestrina. Burano regatta starts at 4 . On sept. 8. The races at Burano a Lagoon Island noted for its lace making close the season s Calendar. Note that a culinary festival takes place there on the same Day. Above the Rialto Ridge frames a series of Parade Craft left a Boatload of women gondoliers. Bottom left historical costumes add to the exotic flavor. April28,1994 stripes Magazine 15