by InTrieste
On the frigid shores of Trieste’s Barcola Beach, a crowd gathered this New Year’s Day to witness a sight both familiar and extraordinary. Among the bundled-up spectators stood Mario Cigar, an 83-year-old icon of local resilience, preparing for his 62nd consecutive year of daily dives into the Adriatic Sea.
Clad in nothing but his swimming trunks, Mario offered a cheerful wave to onlookers before plunging into the icy waters. This year, however, his tradition carried extra weight: his daughter Ilaria joined him, diving in alongside her father to cheers and applause.
“It’s not just about the swim,” Mario said as he emerged from the water, steam rising from his skin. “It’s about starting the year with clarity, strength, and a reminder that age is just a number.”
The father-daughter moment under Trieste’s pale winter sun captured the imagination of the crowd, many of whom have followed Mario’s ritual for years. “It’s an honor to share this with my father,” Ilaria said, wrapping herself in a towel. “He’s taught me to embrace life fully, no matter what challenges come our way.”
Over six decades, Mario’s daily swims have become more than a personal ritual; they are a community phenomenon. Trieste’s Barcola Beach, typically quiet in winter, comes alive on January 1 as spectators gather to witness Mario’s enduring defiance of cold weather and convention. “People think it’s crazy,” Mario admitted with a laugh, “but for me, it’s the best way to feel alive.”
