Forza Italia 2024 – Summer Party
MAKE LA VITA DOLCE AGAIN
That special time of the year has come and seamlessly, one week after the Como Car Week, I landed in Warsaw for yet another fantastic automotive event – Forza Italia 2024. And if I had any longing for keeping up the spirit of la dolce vita, there hardly was a better cure for it than spending the weekend at the premises of picturesque Rozalin Palace, a dozen kilometres south of Warsaw. Saturday evening continued the tradition of a summer party so… are you ready to feast?!
I thought so! The ForzaItalia.pl team collaborated with Rozalin’s restaurant to offer the best tastes of Italy. Live cooking offered two delicious pasta dishes – shrimps with pepperoncino and classic caccio e pepe. Many cursed their limited belly capacity, for one could indulge many more portions than felt sensible! Well, if that wasn’t enough, there were heaps of antipasti and wonderful desserts. Trust me, I haven’t had such a good pavlova in aaages!
ABRACADABRA – AND IT’S ITALY IN POLAND
It wouldn’t be a complete Italian offering if it wasn’t for a great selection of regional drinks. Girolamo Jerry di Gregorio – an Italian sommelier – came with his own wine cart and was more than eager to pour you yet another glass of Lambrusco, whilst explaining the origin of its grapes and helping to pinpoint the less obvious of their taste notes. Hope I don’t need to mention he was a very popular gentleman at the party! Returning was also Malfy, who with their broad selection of gin satisfied those more into stronger spirits!
Italian food, alcohol and omnipresent music proved to be the perfect blend to transform Poles into Italians, even if just in a bit. All of a sudden moods were lifted, that lively chatter got a tad louder and some even started gesticulating as if they came from the Apennine Peninsula! When the sun has set and light drizzle has gone away the lawn became the dance floor, with many happily boogieing to the rhythms of Italian hits. Oh, if only Al Bano and Romina Power could witness that…
MEET MARIO AND LUIGI
The party took place on the first of June which is the Polish Children’s Day and one crew prepared for that occasion admirably. Surprising all the guests and to the elation of all the kids at the party, the lawn was casually strolled by… Mario and Luigi! These iconic Italian plumbers worked like a magnet for all the youngsters but brought smiles to everyone in the garden. Not only did they happily play around, but also handed out colourful stickers! It was yet another proof how many wonderful people one can meet at Forza Italia meet-up every year.
Despite my love for the more exciting part of the automotive world, to pay a tribute, how could I not mention their vehicle of choice? Mario and Luigi – or Grzegorz and Grzegorz, if you like – arrived in nothing else than a navy 2003 Fiat Doblò Malibu. This special edition of the very popular van is characterised by some better equipment, characteristic front grille and hatchback-lifted boot. Great choice for a great duet, complimenti!
ASPETTIAMO DOMENICA!
Although I have already learnt many editions ago that Forza Italia is much more about the people than the vehicles, these still play a big part of the weekend. After all, they are the conversation starters, significant part of the storytelling and are bringing their owners together in the first place! As drivers were partying, parking at the Rozalin Palace already gave a glimpse of what visitors could expect to admire during Sunday’s festival.
Welcoming everyone was the most iconic of them all – a white Fiat 500. How would Italy (and this festival) would look like without this cute car, no one can even imagine. Next to my Alfa Romeo 1750 GT Veloce parked a stylish Lancia Fulvia Sport penned by Zagato and just before the party climaxed, yet another masterpiece of design showed up - Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale by Bertone. Right in front of the Palace, Alfa Romeo Poland started to prepare a special premiere of… well, what can I say? It was a Sunday well worth waiting for!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
