„Navigare necesse est, vivere no!“
As part of the Fishermen's Fest, a batana (a traditional fishing boat) by the name of Cal Santa was launched into the sea from the Small Pier.
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The launching was attended by numerous curious spectators, and the event was further enriched by the ceremonial act of opening a bottle of Champaign and introductory remarks by Deputy Mayor Marin Budicin, who wished the boat a long sailing life and calm seas.
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Night after night shipbuilder Mladen Takač and his associates had worked on the construction of this 5.5 m long boat in front of the environmental museum called The House of the Batana. The construction of this traditional fishing boat is part of the city project called The Batana, the purpose of which is to revive the old art of shipbuilding, as well as to return this ancient vessel to the small port wherefrom it was pushed out by modern, plastic boats.
Let us mention that after the Fiamita, the Cal Santa is the second batana in the city fleet, entrusted for the sake of maintenance and further use to the Venier family, a family of fishermen. Its construction, as well as its delivery, were accompanied by the famous Latin saying: Navigare necesse est, vivere no! (To sail is necessary, to live is not!).
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Besides the launching of the new batana, the Fishermen's Fest featured Dalmatian songs performed by an a Capella vocal ensemble from Vis. The visitors could also enjoy the sight of a falkuša, a small traditional fishing boat characteristic of Komiža, by the name of Comeza-Lisboa that sailed in from Split especially for this occasion.
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The Batana folk band, the members of the Marco Garbin Cultural Club, and singer Sergio Preden Gato provided good atmosphere and great music, while the culinary specialties were prepared by the staff of the Adriatic Hotel.
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The Fishermen's Fest was organized by the City of Rovinj, the Tourist Association, and the environmental museum The House of the Batana in cooperation with the Maistra agency.
