Forza 2023
There are many spectacular and world-famous automotive events filled with the most unique machines imaginable. At the beginning of each year, I make a list and decide which of them I should visit. But there is one event that needs no consideration: ForzaItalia.pl meeting. I just can’t miss the opportunity to spend some time with so many of my friends.
I repeat this sentence very often: "It’s all about the people, not the cars”. That’s so true here. We all met because of our enthusiasm for Italian cars, but now the relationships reach way beyond that. Beside the big annual meeting, there are many other more or less official activities. As you may see, my relationship to this group and event is not objective, so I won’t give you any opinions on whether the event was good or not. I’ll only deliver some facts. The smiles on the faces of the participants may, however, by a little hint, if it was any good.
At the begining let’s clarify one thing. Forza Italia is known worldwide as a slogan supporting Italy in sports. Unfortunately, in Italy, it’s now associated with politics. But don’t worry! That’s not the case here. It’s a Polish club celebrating Italian cars. The tradition of annual meetings dates back over 10 years. They are always organised in the picturesque gardens of the many palaces surrounding Warsaw. For the third time, in a row, this year’s venue was Pałac Rozalin and for the second time the event was executed according to a refreshed agenda. On Saturday evening, a smaller group of participants took part in an informal summer party. Here, the cars were definitely only the background. I’ve described this event in the previous analog article.
Sunday was the day of the main event. The cars started to drive into the area way before the official opening of the gates. Both the parking for the classics and the most popular models started to fill very quickly.
As always, the most interesting models were parked around the palace. The selection ranged from the oldest classics, through more recent supercars, to the presentation of the newest additions to the Alfa Romeo model range. A special zone was dedicated to Abarths.
The bigger parking, located a few steps from the center of the event, was filled with the more popular models. Those cars deserve more exposure than they can get. Owners of most of them took enormous effort to prepare them for the occasion. Carefully detailed with a layer of wax on body, wheels and even tires. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be possible to attach pictures of 400 cars to this article.
One thing is most important during the event: it doesn’t matter whether you came in a unique classic, a new supercar, or a Punto given to you by your grandpa – everyone is welcomed and can equally enjoy the moment.
It is also important to point out that it’s not only about staring at the parked cars. Many additional attractions were awaiting the guests. That includes a tourist rally, a series of lectures, and quizzes. The last, and maybe most spectacular, part is the Concorso d’Eleganza. During it, owners of the most impressive machines, or the ones with unique histories, can present them before the audience and jury. This year, two prizes were handed out: for the most interesting car and the best prepared crew. In the first category a beautifully preserved Alfa Romeo SZ was awarded. The second was picked by the stylish Aleksandra and Edoardo who came here in a Fiat 500L 110F Berlina.
More than 3000 participants and over 400 cars came this year to Pałac Rozalin. This is a record. Each year, the event grows beyond the numbers that were unimaginable a year before. Over 200 Alfa Romeos, 100 Fiats, 10 Ferraris plus some Lambos or Maseratis. There was a lot to choose from. I won’t try to name the most interesting models. You can pick them from the photos yourself.
Having the opportunity to work with the Forza team is a great honor. Looking at the growing event and the happy faces of its participants is one thing. But being surrounded by friends is the most valuable feeling.
