From June 12th to 14th, Rovinj-Rovigno celebrates 20 years of sails, sea, and tradition!
⛵️ The jubilee 20th Rovinj Regatta of Traditional Boats with Lug and Lateen Sails brings you more than 20 experiences of Rovinj's maritime heritage, which we will turn into unforgettable memories together.
The full program is available below, and on this occasion, along with the most attractive competitive part, we are announcing:
⛵️ An exhibition and lecture on 20 years of the Rovinj Regatta;
⛵️ An interpretative sailing trip on the lugger “Nerezinac” around 20 islands of Rovinj;
⛵️ New editions of the culinary programs “Viràda in pignàta!” and “Udùri da cà∫a”;
⛵️ A rich children's program including a pool with toy boats, an interactive map of Rovinj's islands, workshops, and games;
⛵️ The presentation of the TRANS MARIS Interreg Italy-Croatia project, dedicated to youth mentorship;
⛵️ The Croatian Historical Museum's exhibition “Adriatic and Ionian Vessels in the Early Modern Period (1650–1850)”;
⛵️ An exhibition by Ukrainian artist Tetiana Katsara, “Necklaces in the Colors of Batana Sails”;
⛵️ The premiere of a song dedicated to the Rovinj Regatta
⛵️ A new photo point, “Rovinjska kartolina” (Rovinj Postcard);
⛵️ A raffle for children;
⛵️ The very first presentation of Batana's Sweet House;
⛵️ A night parade of boats accompanied by a special concert on the “Nerezinac”;
⛵️ The launching of the batana boat “Peîcia” into the sea with its new guardian.
Be a part of our grand celebration on the sea, the Big Pier (Veliki mol), and other locations in the center of Rovinj-Rovigno!
Organizers: Eco-museum/Ecomuseo “Batana” and Sailing Club/Club di vela “Maestral” Rovinj-Rovigno
Competitor Registration: info@batana.org
PROGRAM OF THE 20TH ROVINJ REGATTA
FRIDAY, 12-JUN-2026
Hours 08:00
Presentation of the new Photo Point: Rovinj Postcard - 20 years of memories in one postcard of the sea and sails
Photo point inspired by traditional boats and their sails, designed as a memory of 20 years of the Rovinj Regatta and an encounter with maritime heritage created in collaboration with students of Rovinj elementary schools.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 10:00
Interpretation sailing on the "Nerezinac" loger: 20 islands of the Rovinj archipelago - 20 sea stories and an unforgettable journey
On the occasion of the jubilee 20th edition of the Rovinj Regatta of Traditional Boats, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a unique sea journey through the Rovinj archipelago and get to know the beauty of its 20 islands. The sailing on the traditional loger "Nerezinac" will be accompanied by stories and explanations about each island, its history, names, peculiarities and connection with the life of Rovinj-Rovigno and its inhabitants. This special 2-hour sailing combines natural beauty, maritime heritage and the experience of the sea in the way Rovinj fishermen and sailors have lived it for centuries.
Participation must be registered in advance via e-mail address info@batana.org.
Location: Rovinj waters, departure from the Big Pier
Hours 12:00
Exhibition and workshop by Tetiana Katsara: "No sorrow should defeat beauty" - necklaces inspired by batana sails
The exhibition of artistic jewelry by Ukrainian author Tetiana Katsara is inspired by the geometric shapes, colors and symbolism of the traditional sails of Rovinj's batanas, but even more so by the encounter with the Ecomuseum-Ecomuseo "Batana" and its people. At a time when her country's heritage has been threatened for years, and fear and worry are the main features of everyday life in war, Tetiana Katsara recognized in the warm colors of the batana sails the heritage zeal for preserving tradition and sincere human solidarity. The sails that were once visually designed by Rovinj families, have now inspired the Ukrainian author to create unique necklaces, each of which tells a unique story about the heritage of Rovinj-Rovigno and a heart open to everyone.
Opening: Friday, at 12:00
Exhibition duration from 12.6. to 15.6. every day 12:00 – 17:00
Location: Gallery–Galleria "ʃutalateîna"
Arrival of the boats and crews of the 20th Rovinj Regatta
The meeting of about 40 traditional boats from Croatia, Slovenia and Italy turns the Rovinj waterfront into a living stage of the maritime heritage of the Adriatic and an open-air museum. When the boats dock at the Veliki mol, the sea begins to tell the most interesting stories.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 16:00
Interpretation cruise on the loger "Nerezinac": 20 islands of the Rovinj archipelago - 20 sea stories and an unforgettable journey
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Rovinj Regatta of Traditional Boats, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a unique sea voyage through the Rovinj archipelago and discover the beauty of its 20 islands. The cruise on the traditional loger "Nerezinac" will be accompanied by stories and explanations by Marin Budicin about each island, its history, names, peculiarities and connection with the life of Rovinj-Rovigno and its inhabitants. This special 2-hour cruise combines natural beauty, maritime heritage and the experience of the sea in the way that Rovinj fishermen and sailors have lived it for centuries.
Participation must be registered in advance via e-mail address info@batana.org.
Location: Rovinj waters, departure from the Big Pier
Hours 18:00
Presentation of the project "TRANS MARIS" - Interreg Italy-Croatia
A new European project of the Institution-Istituzione "Kuća o batana - Casa della batana" and the Italian municipality of Cesenatico is focused on the intergenerational transfer of traditional maritime knowledge and practices as the basis for the development of sustainable cultural tourism. On this occasion, a structured mentoring program for young people will be presented, through which traditional knowledge holders transfer skills such as rowing, sailing, sail making and vessel maintenance to new generations.
The aim of the project is to involve young people in Cesenatico, Rovinj-Rovigno and the Venetian lagoon area in the preservation of maritime intangible cultural heritage and to empower them to develop innovative and environmentally sustainable tourist content based on this heritage.
Location: Youth Center "Dino Škrapić"
Hours-19:00
Opening: Batana's Sweet House – Sweet Flavors of Childhood
In addition to the well-known gastro restaurant Batana's House, since the 20th Rovinj Regatta on the Riviera, guests will also be tempted by Batana's Sweet House with its sweet traditional flavors. Smaller in size, it will evoke the warmth of childhood and all the moments that became sweet memories thanks to fritters, cotton candy and old-fashioned candies. Sometimes, golden and crispy Rovinj drawers will also be on offer. The house also offers Carletto, a coffee with liqueur that reminds us of the 1970s and 1980s, and for those who want something salty, Batana's Sweet House will make an exception with a portion of popcorn.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 20:00
Ceremonial opening of the 20th Rovinj Regatta and the exhibition Ecomuseum-Ecomuseo "Batana" - "Remembrance of the 20th Rovinj Regatta"
20th Regatta”
The raising of the mainsail on the smallest Rovinj bataan “Peîcia” will symbolically begin the official edition of the 20th Regatta. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Rovinj Regatta, the Ecomuseum gallery will also host the opening of the exhibition “Memories of 20 Rovinj Regattas”. This exhibition takes us on an emotional journey through two decades of sailing in the Rovinj waters, as well as friendship and togetherness under the watchful eye of St. Euphemia. Photographs from previous editions of the Regatta take visitors back to moments that have been inscribed in the history of the city and its identity. The exhibition celebrates hosts and guests, boats and crews, large and small, competition, creativity, song and all the little moments that have created the soul of the Rovinj Regatta over the years, turning it into one of the most recognizable manifestations of maritime heritage on the Adriatic.
Exhibition opening: Friday at 8:00 PM
Exhibition duration from 12.6. to 20.6. every day from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 23:00
Location: Ecomuseum–Ecomuseo “Batana”
Hours 20:30
The competitors cook dishes from their homelands – I regatanti presentano i sapori della propria terra: “Viràda in pignàta!” / “Virada u loncu!” / “Virata in pentola!”
This year, in addition to the traditional sailing program, the Regatta also brings a special gastronomic experience - the flavors of the sea, the scents of home and the stories of the Adriatic on one table. We want each invited crew to present their region in the most authentic and original way possible through traditional dishes, flavors and customs.
Each participant will have their own stand where they will present their culinary skills, while the Regatta organizers will provide logistical support and assistance in purchasing basic supplies. Participation must be registered in advance via e-mail info@batana.org or by phone at +992662131 and +911420228.
We would like participants, if possible, to be dressed in traditional clothing or to present some detail of the area they come from. Dishes prepared during the evening will be offered to visitors free of charge, in the spirit of togetherness, hospitality and Mediterranean tradition.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 21:00
Joint dinner of regatta participants with a musical program - togetherness at sea and at the table
Evening of socializing of participants and visitors with the music of the Trio “Viècia Ruveîgno” and the authentic atmosphere of the Rovinj waterfront at the beginning of the summer season
Location: Big Pier
SATURDAY, 13. VI. 2026.
Hours-10:00
Joint brunch and distribution of lunch packages
Meeting of all Regatta participants before setting sail with a joint brunch, socializing and the latest information about the regatta.
Hours-11:00
Start of the Regatta with the melodies of the city: Greetings of the Rovinj-Rovigno Brass Band
A festive musical program with which Rovinj-Rovigno traditionally welcomes the start of the Regatta.
Hours 11:30
START OF THE REGATTA: For the twentieth time, boats and sails connect people, sea and tradition
Traditional boats with main and Latin sails sail the Rovinj waters, demonstrating and preserving the knowledge and skills of the maritime heritage of the Adriatic. A unique opportunity to experience Rovinj-Rovigno decorated with beautiful sails.
Hours 14:30
END OF COMPETITIVE PART OF THE REGATTA
Location: Big Pier and Rovinj waters
Hours 11:00 – 15:00
Program for children as part of the EU Interreg Italy-Croatia project “TRANS MARIS”:
“I peîci marinièri” - “Mali moreplovci” - “I piccoli marinai”
Creative workshops and educational content that bring children closer to the world of the sea, sailing and traditional boats through play and creation.
The program includes:
-fishing workshop;
-workshop on making boats from corks;
-pool with boats (Venetian "topo");
-raffle for children - catch a prize;
-getting to know the Rovinj islands on an interactive map in the ecomuseum;
-memory - batana sails;
-learning through play: types of batana, sails, parts, tools;
-wind rose;
-getting to know the traditional regatta boats;
-making a fish trap;
-the story of the turtle Katarina and batana;
-fritule, popcorn, old-fashioned sweets in Batana's new sweet house.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 18:00
Exhibition of the Croatian History Museum and author Zrinka Podhraški Čizmek: "Adriatic and Ionian Shipping in the Modern Age (1650–1850)"
The Croatian History Museum is visiting Rovinj-Rovigno with the international exhibition "Adriatic and Ionian Shipping in the Modern Age (1650–1850)", which was created on the basis of years of interdisciplinary research by historian Zrinka Podhraški Čizmek and an international team gathered as part of the CROMARESHIP project.
The exhibition presents the most complete visual reconstruction of the ships of the Adriatic and Ionian region from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It is based on the author's research, which includes the processing of almost 20,000 documents from the Croatian Maritime Registries from the 18th century, and brings as many as 62 types of historical ships visually depicted by the painter and researcher of historical ships Luigi Divari. It also brings a rare insight into everyday maritime life, trade routes, technical characteristics of ships and the wealth of terminology that was shaped by different cultural and political systems in the Adriatic. The interdisciplinary work of about twenty experts from the Croatian of Croatia, Italy, Greece and Montenegro gathered around the project ensures an exceptional breadth and important contribution to maritime-historical research.
Location: Ground floor of the "Antonio Gandusio" Theater
Opening: Saturday at 6:00 PM
Exhibition duration from 13 to 23 June 2026, every day from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hours 19:00 PM
Lecture “Memories of 20 Rovinj Regattas”: The story of Rovinj through 20 regattas and numerous memories
Lecture on the origin, development and significance of the Rovinj Regatta of traditional boats for the identity of the city and the preservation of maritime heritage. Reminiscing about the most special moments and people who contributed to the preservation of the maritime tradition of Rovinj-Rovigno over two decades.
Moderators: Marino Budicin, Alvise Benussi and/or Ennio Cherin
Location: Ground floor of the "Antonio Gandusio" Theatre
Hours 20:00
Presentation of the heritage of Rovinj and Istria through tastes and scents: “Udùri da cà∫a” – “Mirisi doma” – “Odori di casa”
The “Udùri da cà∫a” program brings together local producers, craftsmen and guardians of tradition who, through tastes, scents and authentic products, represent the richness of the Rovinj and Istrian region. Through tastings, meetings and discussions, the event celebrates the Mediterranean way of life, the connection between man and the sea, and the values of togetherness and local tradition. “Udùri da cà∫a” is not just a gastronomic event, but an experience of Rovinj-Rovigno through the fruits of the Istrian land and sea, enriched by the emotion of belonging and respect for the homeland.
Location: Big Pier
Hours 20:30
Award ceremony for the winners of the Rovinj Regatta with the premiere of a song dedicated to the regatta performed by the band "Le Cronache"
Location: Big Pier
Hours 21:30
Night parade of boats with a concert at the "Nerezinac" lugger
Concert by the group "Le Cronache" and guests with a night parade of traditional boats and crews in the unique night atmosphere of the Rovinj waterfront with a nostalgic musical look into the past.
Location: Big Pier
SUNDAY, 14 – VI - 2026
Hours 9:00
Removing the boats from the sea
Final moments of the Regatta with the removal of the boats and farewell to the participants until we meet again at the next Regatta.
Hours 11:00
Sailing on the lugger "Nerezinac" for regatta participants to the port of St. Pelagio: Shared brunch and socializing with traditional games
Shared sailing from the Big Pier to the port of St. Pelagio and the new marina as a symbol of unity of all regatta participants.
Hours 10:00-12:00
Tetiana Katsara's workshop: Ukrainian technique for making traditional necklaces
Demonstration of traditional craftsmanship by artist Tetiana Katsara, who made necklaces inspired by the traditional sails of the Rovinj batana, but which also provides countless possibilities for making special and imaginative jewelry. A brief introduction to the rich Ukrainian folklore heritage.
The maximum number of participants is 5, and participation must be registered in advance via e-mail info@batana.org
Location: Gallery "ʃutalateîna"
Hours 17:30
Lowering the sails on the smallest Rovinj batana "Peica" and its launch into the sea after a long time with its new keeper and a new member of the Association-Associazione "Kuća o batana Casa della batana".
The regatta ends, but the stories of the sea remain!
Note:
From June 12 to 14, the Ecomuseum-Ecomuseo is open from 10 am to 11 pm, and admission is free.
The Regatta program can be followed on FB: Ekomuzej batana/Ecomuseo batana/ IG@houseofbatana /www.batana.org/.