The Mechanisms of Formation of Identity and Cultural Memory of Italians Using the Example of the Historical Regatta of Venice

Festive events in Italy are not just a reproduction of history, but an experience of what our ancestors lived long ago. The article examines the identification codes hidden in Venice's main holiday, the Historical Regatta, which celebrates its politically significant past. In Italy, there is a system of sports festivals with its own characteristics in each region. This article examines the factors that contribute to maintaining interest in such holidays and their relevance in the collective historical memory of the Venetians. The historical regatta preserves the special identification codes of the local community, allowing participants to experience what has happened every year, filling it with new meanings relevant to the current period. The Venetians have a special relationship with water, which is influenced by their mythological beliefs about the sacredness of water and boats. This is why the ability to navigate a boat is crucial for the inhabitants of the lagoon. This study describes particularly important events that have ensured that the Historical Regatta of the Republic of Venice remains not just a celebration, but continues to serve as a means of community consolidation.