Cesenatico hosts historic Garibaldi sailing festival

Cesenatico in Italy celebrated the weekend of the Festa di Garibaldi with the Vele al Terzo gathering, a showcase of traditional Adriatic sailing vessels such as trabaccoli, bragozzi, lancioni and battane. The event, part of an effort to obtain UNESCO intangible‑heritage status for the region’s maritime culture, featured a parade of colour‑ful boats through the Porto Canale, a historic procession commemorating Garibaldi’s 1849 departure toward Venice, and a series of folk competitions including the Palio della Cuccagna.

Organisers from the local municipality, the Port Authority and the Museum of Marineria cooperated with the newly formed Associazione Vele al Terzo to stage the festivities. The programme included an evening preview at the Galleria Leonardo da Vinci, a midday sea cruise, and a closing fireworks display launched from eleven water platforms, drawing visitors and highlighting the town’s commitment to preserving its nautical heritage.