This year too, the first day of January saw the waters of the Ionian Sea, in front of Piazza Brindisi in the Lido district of Catanzaro, welcoming dozens of citizens for the traditional New Year’s Dive. An event celebrating unity and peace, now in its seventeenth anniversary.
The initiative, born from an idea of Bebi Crivarohistoric swimmer and water polo player from Crotone, continues to represent a strong symbol of cohesion between Calabrian communities. Crivaro, together with friends Tonino Transtevere And Mario Caccavari, gave life to the association “Calabria, a sea of love” with the aim of valorising one of the most precious resources of the region: the sea. Since then, the New Year’s Dive has consolidated itself as a propitiatory rite to start the year in the name of solidarity and brotherhood.
This year’s event garnered great enthusiasm from the community. At 12, as per tradition, the participants met in the waters of the Ionian Sea wearing the association’s official t-shirt, created specifically for the occasion. The start of the dive was given by the lady Franca Maltesemother of one of the divers, Francesco Teti, who, sitting on a chair by the sea, given her age, did not miss the traditional appointment.
The atmosphere was made even more festive by the music of the masters Luigi Cimino and Enzo Sangiuliano, coordinated by Cesare Mauro. Among the most touching moments, the presence of Mario Caccavariwhich with its sandwich signs expressed messages of support for the communities of Jacurso and Maida, hard hit by the autumn floods, and appeals for peace for all.
This dive, which unites athletes and ordinary citizens, has confirmed itself as a powerful symbol of rebirth and hope, a unique way to start the year by strengthening the ties between the different souls of Calabria, a land rich in history and cultural influences. A tradition that continues to grow, renewing its universal message of union, solidarity and love for the territory year after year.