Thanks Michael to the introduction to this festive boat custom! I discovered in my reading that a similar, perhaps related, Corpus Christi boat tradition is also treasured and celebrated in glacial lakes in Austria too! I like the idea that the folk exploited water transport for centuries before there were decent roads. I can imagine the fascination of having a religious ceremony uniting small village communities in the water.
The boats seem very simple and practical and seem to be similar in shape to the famous and seaworthy
Boston Whaler boats, although, of course made of aluminum not local wood!
Asher