La Regata della Befana

Off to the Rialto Bridge to watch the Regata della Befana -- the gondola race between witches on the Grand Canal.  The 'Canottieri Bucintoro', the oldest rowing club in Venice which dates back to 1882, organize the event by having chosen members dress as the 'befana' and race from S. Toma' to the Rialto Bridge, originally built in wood in 1181 but ultimately replaced by this beautiful stone construction in 1591, designed by Antonio da Ponte.  This historical center of Venice is in many ways the commercial center of the city. It also has what is reputed to be the oldest church in the city, San Giacomo di Rialto, supposedly consecrated around the year 421.  Today the famous Rialto Bridge hosted the 'befana' boat race in which the green witch won.  This is a rare event -- once a year on January 6th at 11:00.