ROVINJ NIGHT FESTIVITIES
A Magnificent Attraction – The Batana Boat's First Encounter with the Sea
After shipbuilder Mladen Takač had worked on the construction of his fourth batana board by board for two full months at the Riviera Square in front of the museum called Kuća o batani (The House of the Batana Boat), it was festively launched into the sea in the framework of the Rovinj Night Festivities.
Twenty robust men from Rovinj carried the batana boat for 50 meters from the town waterfront in order to launch her into the sea. The launch was accompanied by a huge applause, song and the bang of a Champagne cork.
The batana boat named Arupina, in honor of the 100-year anniversary of the Arupinum Rowing Club from Rovinj, was sent off with song thanks to the members of KUD Marco Garbin and welcomed by the rowers in the sea.
The entire happening, especially attractive for the tourists, was broadcast live as part of the show called 30 u hladu (30 Degrees in the Shade) by the HTV crew. Numerous passers-by and curious people also recorded the launch with their video and photo cameras.
The five-and-a-half-meter-long batana boat, a symbol of the city of St. Euphemia, will be presented as gift to the town of Gospić in honor of a longtime friendship and cooperation between the people of Istria and Lika.
The launch ceremony was accompanied by fishermen’s dishes, homemade sweet delicacies, as well as good wine.
