by InTrieste
As summer approaches its zenith, the historic city of Trieste gears up for one of its most cherished events, the “Olimpiade delle Clanfe.” Now in its seventeenth edition, this water-soaked spectacle promises to deliver the same blend of tradition, competition, and exuberant fun that has made it a beloved fixture in the community.
On Saturday, July 27, the “Ausonia” bathing establishment, perched along the picturesque Riva Traiana, will once again be the epicenter of this unique diving competition. Participants, ranging from spirited four-year-olds to seasoned eighty-five-year-olds, will take the plunge in a bid to create the biggest splash and elicit the loudest cheers.
The event, organized by the SPIZ Association for Social Promotion, transcends the typical sports competition. It is an exhibition of creativity, where the goal is not only to make a spectacular dive but also to entertain the crowd with imaginative and amusing performances. “Technique is important,” says an event organizer, “but the heart of this competition is the joy and originality each diver brings.”
The categories are as diverse as the participants, with entries open to all—Pici, Pice, Vece Bobe, Vece Marantighe, Muleti, Mulete, Muli, Mule, Muloni, Mulone, Mati, Babe, and even the acrobatic UFOs. This inclusivity ensures a wide array of performances, from the hilarious to the awe-inspiring.
Registration for the event remains open until Thursday, July 25, 2024, through the official SPIZ website, www.spiz.it. The organizers encourage both seasoned divers and enthusiastic newcomers to join the festivities, emphasizing that the “Olimpiade delle Clanfe” is as much about community and camaraderie as it is about competition.
The “Ausonia” establishment, steeped in history and bathed in the golden hues of summer, provides a fitting backdrop for this celebration. The air will be filled with anticipation and laughter as divers take their turn, each aiming to perfect the art of the “Clanfe,” a local term for a bomb dive that creates an impressive splash.
“This event is a highlight of the Trieste summer,” one long-time participant reflects. “It’s a day where we come together, forget our worries, and just enjoy the simple pleasure of a dive and a splash.”
As the countdown to the event begins, the city pulses with excitement. The “Olimpiade delle Clanfe” is more than a competition; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of Trieste—a celebration of creativity, sport, and above all, community.
