by Kerin Polimeni
A gathering that is now a consolidated tradition, an event that fills the streets of Mannoli, Santo Stefano in Aspromonte and Gambarie: this is how the 10th 10 Rally was celebrated on August 500th, a celebration that unites passion, engines and community.
From the early hours of the morning, the iconic Fiat 500s, meticulously restored and driven with pride, paraded through the streets of Mannoli, Santo Stefano, and Gambarie, amid applause and smiles that attracted the attention of residents and visitors. The cars parked in the square in Gambarie, remaining until late afternoon, transforming the area into an open-air gallery where millions of photos were taken.
The participants have arrived from all over Italy and beyond: from Sicily, from Lombardy with Cremona, from Emilia Romagna to Switzerland, making this gathering a truly international event for 500 enthusiasts.
«Celebrating ten years of this adventure is an indescribable emotion – says the trustee Enzo Polimeni - The rally was born from a passion for the 500 and a love for our region, and seeing so many people involved confirms that we've created something truly special.".
The Mayor Francis Malara he wanted to look forward with enthusiasm: The Fiat 500 Rally is much more than just a celebration. It's an opportunity to showcase and publicize the authentic beauty of our region. We're working to transform it into a two-day annual event, with a summer and fall edition, when the Aspromonte region is adorned with unique colors. We want to invite everyone to experience our mountains in every season, with the same warmth and welcome we experienced today..
A moment of great significance was also the recognition given by the Women in Movement Committee, with Rosy Morabito who wanted to underline: This plaque is a tribute to those who have transformed a personal passion into a celebration that belongs to the entire community. We are proud to support an event that highlights the vitality and spirit of our town.
For the Pro Mannoli 2.0Rocco D'Agostino recalled the origins of the gathering and the value of tradition: "Ten years ago, this was just an idea; today it's become a tradition that unites passion, friendship, and motoring. Over the past ten years, we've seen hundreds of 500s parade through our streets, bringing color and cheer.".
Also present with great emotion Sebastiano Morabito, an active member of Pro Mannoli 2.0 and a constant presence in all ten editions: After ten years, this gathering has become much more than just an event: it's a family that grows and strengthens over time. Each edition is an opportunity to reunite, share smiles, and celebrate our roots. I'm proud to have helped build this tradition and I'm determined to continue working to make it even more beautiful, year after year..
An important contribution also came fromCalabria Regional Aido Represented by Francesca Pintomalli, who brought greetings from the regional president Nicola Pavone and conveyed a message of life and hope: We're here to remind and reiterate how important it is to give, a simple "YES" to restore hope, a simple YES TO GIVE LIFE BACK. A gift is like these cars: small in size, but capable of going a long way and leaving an indelible mark..
The day concluded with the traditional cake cutting, an intimate and symbolic moment, followed by selfies, applause, and the warm embrace of a community that, thanks to this event, feels ever more united. Because the 500, here in Aspromonte, it's not just a car: it's a symbol of identity and family.
