New Year's dive!
by Roberto Bartolini
The traditional swim in the sea at the beginning of the year!
Back in the 1950s, some brave people dared each other to jump off the bridge in Piazza Cavour.
Later, in the ’60s, the Livornesi rowers would row out to the Molo Novo. Here they would privately celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Later still, in the ’80s, the participants of this ritual, decided to perform their ritual at the seafront. Initially, just hundreds participated but the numbers of New Year’s Day divers grew and grew. Unsurprisingly, the newspapers, local and national papers shared the story. The media coverage, combined with an acceptance of the health benefits of diving into icy winter seas, saw the practice grow. In 2014, the numbers had reached 200 and was the largest such event in Italy.
As much as it has been copied and become more widespread, the Livorno gathering is special. It’s an opportunity for people to share in an event together; irrespective of any personal differences. Such is it’s popularity that divers can be seen entering the water at San Jacopo, scogli dell'Accademia, Bagni Fiume, Gabbiano, scoglio della Ballerina, Bagni Roma, Bagni Rex, Romito.
This isn’t just a celebration of each new year or a catwalk for exhibitionists but people putting aside their differences; bathers and spectators alike. For once, all prejudice, selfishness and envy are seemingly abandoned, for the good of this mistreated city.
