Car rally: Back to the 1920s
The first Vintage Car Rally was held in 1959 in Sitges, Spain. The rally was an initiative to promote the tourism during the winter months. There was a need to start social events during the winter months. The first edition took place on February the 8th 1959 and 23 cars were involved. The race was so popular that was held continuously until today. In its early years the rally was played during Carnival, but since 1988 the date was set to the first Sunday of March.
Nowadays the rally is traditionally one of the most important social events during the winter in Sitges. The start is on Plaza San Jaume de Barcelona. Many people are watching with great admiration all the vintage cars. Not only Spanish people are attending the race, but there are participants from all over the World, including United States and United Kingdom.
50 years ago only 23 participants were attending the race, but nowadays this number increased to over 80. Some of the cars are museum pieces that roll back for a few hours without complexes and face the challenge. The race is not only about the fastest car, but many drivers are dressed like a driver from the 1920s. The first price of the rally is called the Grand Prize for Elegance. Prizes are trophies offered by the municipalities, government and the provincial council of tourism development of Sitges.
The next race will be held in the middle of March 2011. The vintage cars will drive from Plaza de San Jaume in Barcelona, along the old seaside road, to Sitges. The route is an old one used for many eras along the Coast of Garraf. Some of the real vintage cars stop at the Marina on the way for a lunch. Most of the drivers wear classic outfits.
Sitges is a small Spanish town about 35 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. Other famous events in Sitges are the yearly Film Festival and the Carnival. The economy of Sitges is mainly based on tourism and culture. If you want to see the start of the race you might want to stay in Barcelona. To visit the car really have a look at the Web site of apartments Sitges for affordable accommodation in Sitges. If you'd like to watch the old vehicles you can go to Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona the day before the race. You could attend the start on Sunday at Plaza de San Jaume and take the train to Sitges to see the finish. The Sitges Vintage Rally is not a rally about who's the fastest. Drivers get extra points for dressing up appropriately.
Harriet Freeman,
Tourist specialist and general interest in Barcelona, Spain. Have a look at the website of Barcelona apartments for more information about Barcelona.
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