by Vincenzo Polimeni
The rite of the traditional t was renewed again this year, kissed by the sun.New Year's Eve at sea in the body of water in front of the "Ciccio Franco" arena on the Reggio Calabria seafront. The setting was the blaring parade organized for the tenth time by the Reggio Calabria Coordination of the Fiat 500 Club Italia, led by myself. A dip in the sea to bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026, in the spirit of a turning point and with a lighthearted approach shrouded in superstition: this is the 53rd edition and the event is, as always, dedicated to the memory of its creator, Demetrius Fortugno known as “Mimì”, historical director of the Lido Comunale of Reggio Calabria “Genoese Zerbi” and a prominent figure in the Reggio sports scene.
Organized byFebiadi Association in collaboration with our Coordination, as usual it had great participatory resonance, with over fifty 500 and as many as 195 from Reggio They attempted the dive despite the January 1st temperatures. The "run" was preceded by a spectacular entrance by the daring swimmers (both loyalists since 1972 and absolute debutants) aboard their historic Fiat 500s, creating a fairytale backdrop.
I thank all the Cinquecento swimmers who took part in the gathering and I look forward to seeing even more of them next year at the “54th New Year’s Eve Sea Dive”.
