MY WONDERFUL DAY IN LARNACA
By Rena Sofocleous
A LOVELY SUNDAY IN MAY
The sun was shining brightly as I started out on Sunday morning, heading towards Larnaca’s Finikoudes promenade. Today’s agenda read ‘The Classic Car Festival in Larnaca’. This was my first visit to an event like this, so I did not really know what to expect. I knew that the area around the festival had become pedestrian only and that parking would be an issue, so I decided to take a bus into the city and walk the rest of the way. After a few minutes walk, I entered Finikoudes promenade from the eastern side by the municipal car park, and as soon as I turned the corner, I was greeted with a hive of activity and the glorious site of a row of iconic vintage Volkswagen Beetles. This really set the tone for me because the Volkswagen Beetle just happens to be my favourite car of all time.
GLEAMING IN THE SUN
As I made my way around the festival, I found myself marvelling at the craftsmanship of some of these beautiful multi faceted machines. The excitement in the air was palpable and as I slowly walked up the promenade, more vintage cars, and motorcycles gleaming in the sunlight greeted me with horns tooting and engines revving. Europe Square was awash with brightly coloured and eye-catching exhibits, as well as more understated and elegant examples of joy from the past. At this point, I noticed that the event had not only attracted enthusiasts, but people from all walks of life, and this included families seeking a day out. This emphasised the all-inclusive atmosphere that the charity aspect of the event had created and I spent the rest of the day surrounded by a great deal of gentle laughter and a number of jubilant faces.
A LABOUR OF LOVE
Most owners explained that they had a responsibility to preserve their vehicles history, so owning a classic car or motorcycle was not only a labour of love, but also an attestment to history. I found myself captivated by their passion and dedication and I quickly noticed how eager these owners were to tell their stories. Some owners went on to share stories of how they had come to acquire their classic vehicle and the work that had gone into restoring them. Another owner stated that the festival had given him the opportunity to proudly present his car to the public and this gave him great pleasure. I was also told by another owner that his motorcycle was a much-loved family air loom that was kept in a garage and only brought out for festivals and events.
A STORY TO TELL
After admiring a 1975 Harley Davidson FLH motorcycle, I was told by the current owner Marios that a United Nations officer had imported the motorcycle from Canada in the same year. Marios was his mechanic and he was gifted the motorcycle in 1978 to cover outstanding mechanical bills. Nicos stated that after inheriting his 1960 Morris Minor Convertible, it took him nearly 10 years to restore it to its former glory, mainly because of access to parts, which all changed with the advent of the internet. Andreas went on to explain to me that his fully restored 1966 BMW 2002 was more to him than just a possession and that it held a special place in his heart, because it was originally owned by his grandfather who used it to ferry his family to safety during the war in 1974.
A HAPPY PARADE
One of the highlights of the festival was the grand parade, which gave the owners the opportunity to show off their vehicles to the crowd. The motorcycles rumbled to life and led the procession of cars that nicely purred along the Finikoudes promenade at walking pace. As I stood there, Keo beer in hand, a number of sleek vintage sports cars, as well as some elegant classic saloons passed me by. I found myself enjoying every moment and looking on in anticipation of the next beautiful machine in motion. All of their colours and differing shapes and sizes, as well as their sleek lines and shiny chrome caught the sunlight and gave both the crowd and me an over whelming feeling of joy and this was evident by the loud cheers emanating around me.
LOCAL DELICACIES
After the parade, I took the opportunity to explore some of the other things on offer at the festival. The restaurants were very busy so I stuck to the stalls that lined the perimeter. There were a number of stalls selling local delicacies, and there were a number of vendors selling vintage car memorabilia and accessories. Another Beer and a hot sandwich to go went down well, after all I wasn’t driving. The category winners were then announced and various prizes were given out to these owners. It was then announced that this year’s event had been bigger than in previous year and that this year’s festival had included over 400 classic cars and over 100 classic motorcycle entries, which was quite remarkable. It was also announced that the money collected by donations and sponsorship would benefit two local children’s charities.
A DAY TO REMEMBER
As the day ended, I found myself reluctant to leave the festival behind. The day was a celebration of the timeless appeal of classic cars and motorcycles and this had truly captivated me. I had experienced some beautiful cars and I had met some lovely people in the process. The general sense of nostalgia had truly touched my heart and I was reminded of the beauty and craftsmanship of a by-gone era. To top the day off, Gary, whom I met after chatting to him about his classic car offered me a lift home in his beautiful 1972 Convertible Mini. As I sat in the passenger seat, feeling the wind in our hair on my way home, I learnt that he actually had a garage in Limassol that carried out restorations. As we drove away, I knew that I would definitely be back again next year, eager to once again immerse myself in the world of vintage automobiles.
LARNACA & FAMAGUSTA CLASSIC CAR SUMMER ROAD TRIP
Organisors of the Classic Car Festival have organised a summer road trip from Larnaca to Ayia Napa. The route will follow the old road taking in all the the villages along the way to the parking lot next to the port of Ayia Napa, just in time for lunch. All vehicles welcome as well as small engine classics.
Start: Sunday, June 16th at 9.30am at the GSZ parking lot in Larnaca (opposite the Mall entrance).
Call Andreas Nicou for further information
Tel: 99 012 404
