[Event Reports] La Festa Primavera 2019 / The World of Classic Car Rallies Vol. 3

This is the fourth installment of Cigaro's event collaboration series, supporting active adults who enjoy both work and play to the fullest.
Following on from the previous report, we bring you the third installment of our on-site coverage report of the classic car rally "La Festa Primavera."

La Festa Primavera covers a course of approximately 1,250 km over four days, spanning two prefectures and five other prefectures.
For the average person, this distance could be described as a "journey" rather than a race. It truly had its ups and downs, mountains, and the sea.
Moreover, the journey was filled with wonderful situations that made us appreciate anew the beauty and depth of Japan.

First, what was very impressive was that historical sites that weave together history and culture were used as venues.
Starting with Atsuta Jingu Shrine (known for enshrining the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures), the second day visited Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie, affectionately known as "O-Ise-san" as the spiritual home of the Japanese people, and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine in Wakayama, famous for the World Heritage site of Kumano Kodo. The final day concluded at Okazaki Park, near Heian Jingu Shrine, after passing through Kenninji Temple in Kyoto. We were truly surprised by such settings, which are unthinkable for typical events.

Even at these historical spots, the beautifully polished classic cars, most of which were foreign-made, blended into the scene and created a unique contrast. The sight of them slowly progressing against the backdrop of historic buildings gave the feeling of having traveled back in time, and the fundamental spirit of "respect for the old" spontaneously came to mind.
The profoundness of this race, which also connects to cherishing historical objects and passing them on to future generations, cannot be fully expressed by words like "race" or "hobby."

While marveling at the historical aspects scattered like jewels along the course, La Festa Primavera also speaks to "Japan's nature."
The winding roads between prefectures were dazzling with fresh greenery, and the old villages that occasionally appeared stirred a deep nostalgia within. Along the coast of Nanki Shirahama, we were intoxicated by the pleasant sea breeze and captivated by the shimmering horizon and white sandy beaches.
Blessed with good weather, all the scenery that came into view while driving was pleasant, and it made me feel that I must get to know Japan much better.

The charm of La Festa Primavera is something that could not be fully felt just by cheering on entrants at the spots they visit each year.
This time, I was able to experience its profoundness through on-site coverage, and the more I learned about it, the more I was drawn into its charm, and the thought of one day being on the driving side myself began to expand.

Next time, we will finally bring you the final installment titled "The End of a Beautiful Journey, a Moving Goal."