by InTrieste
Water flew high and laughter echoed across the waterfront as 176 participants took part in the 19th edition of the Olimpiade delle Clanfe at Trieste’s Bagni Ausonia, one of the city’s most anticipated summer traditions.
The competition celebrates clanfe — a local style of splash-producing jump into the sea — alongside other playful diving techniques. Contestants were judged not only on the size of the splash but also on creativity, theatrical performances and their ability to entertain the crowd.
Founded nearly two decades ago by the local association Spiz, led by Mauro Vascotto, the event has evolved from an informal gathering into a fixture of Trieste’s summer calendar. Participants appeared in elaborate costumes, performed comic skits and embraced the event’s lighthearted spirit before launching themselves from the diving platform.
This year’s edition also included a tribute to Claudio Sterpin, a longtime competitor known for his acrobatic dives, who recently died. Organizers honored his contribution to the event with a dedicated performance.
As in previous years, the competition concluded with festive celebrations, complete with costumes, choreographed routines and the tradition of humorously attempting to win over judges with homemade food and drinks.
