The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics is an event that recalls the splendor of the four ancient Maritime Republics: Amalfi, Genoa, Venice and Pisa.
The first official edition was disputed in Pisa just 1 July 1956.
Since then every year the challenge is presented again to turn in the waters of Amalfi and Genoa, in the Arno in Pisa and in the lagoon of Venice.
Each boat back on the bow the coat of arms:
- the winged horse for Amalfi
- the lion for Venice
- the griffin for Genoa
- the eagle for Pisa
The race is preceded by a huge procession consisting of 320 set: 80 for each Republic – that reproduce historical figures and events specific to each city.
The Procession of Pisa refers to the legend of Kinzica de ‘Sismondi, the Pisan heroine who according to tradition saved the city from Saracen pirates.
There are also the various leaders that followed the government of Pisa (the consuls, the mayor, the captain of the people), in addition to the soldiers (whose insignia appears on the black eagle, symbol of the Empire), the sailors, the buglers and kettledrummers.
The arrangement of the parade is the following: the portagonfalone; the escort of the banner (2 persons); 3 rowers parade; 8 trumpeters; First sergeant; 12 infantry; 3 famuli; the mayor; 1 groom; the captain of the judges; 2 senators; 2 elderly; Ambassador; the captain of the people; 1 groom; the consul of the merchants; 2 priors of Seven Arts; 8 drummers; 4 standard bearers; Kinzica de ‘Sismondi riding; 1 groom; 6 bridesmaids Kinzica; Admiral of the fleet; 2 consuls of the sea; 1 patron; 2 comiti; 12 sailors.