Fans of the beloved Citroen 2CV have gathered in Slovenia for the 25th world meeting of enthusiasts, celebrating a car that symbolizes a slower, more relaxed way of life. The event is taking place at an airfield near Postojna, approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the capital, Ljubljana.
Karmen Uglesic, one of the event’s organizers and head of the Slovenian parliament’s public relations office, expressed the joy that this gathering brings. “Once you sit down, all the stress from your office is gone,” she told AFP. Uglesic, who has spent over two decades working in politics, credits her mental well-being to her passion for the “Spacek” or “little freak,” a nickname given to the 2CV when it debuted in Yugoslavia in the early 1950s.
The Citroen 2CV, launched in 1948, was designed to be an affordable, utilitarian vehicle, rivalling the German Volkswagen Beetle. Its name, which stands for “deux chevaux” (two horses), refers to its original horsepower. Renowned for its simplicity and low-cost maintenance, more than five million units were produced until the end of manufacturing in 1990, when stricter emissions regulations took effect.
More than 300 volunteers have come together to organize this year’s meeting, which follows last year’s gathering in Switzerland. Participants from various countries have driven their 2CVs to the event, embracing a leisurely pace of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour (50 to 56 miles per hour), allowing faster vehicles to zoom past them.
“I adore these cars; they are very good and can easily be driven in the 21st century,” said Gabriele Salvoni, a 55-year-old Italian who travelled 400 kilometres to reach Postojna. Surrounded by friends, he enjoyed snacks and drinks, proudly displaying tattoos of two 2CVs alongside the names of his children. “This is a different world, we travel in peace, that is our way of living,” he stated.
The event features a vibrant atmosphere, with participants showcasing their unique vehicles. Some cars are equipped with loudspeakers, while others are adorned with quirky decorations. “This car is a piece of art,” Uglesic remarked, noting that many owners treat their 2CVs as a canvas for creativity. As she spoke, an elongated 2CV, reminiscent of a limousine, drove by, adding to the eclectic display.
Crowds enjoy a festive environment, with groups of attendees mingling, cars parading, and music playing from speakers. The camp is designed to accommodate more than 3,000 2CVs, creating a lively scene filled with laughter and camaraderie.
For many participants, the 2CV holds a special place in their hearts. Jamie, a 26-year-old freelance artist, reflected on her journey with the car. “I went to France and I fell in love with the car,” she explained as she relaxed under a tent connected to her blue 2CV. Her boyfriend, Mike, who works in aircraft maintenance, is teaching her the ins and outs of car repairs. Although they noted minor leaks in their newly restored roof, they remained unfazed, embracing the charm of the 2CV.
Nearby, 16-year-old Aleksandar Dincic from Vranje, Serbia, eagerly explored a tent selling spare parts with his father. “My dad promised me a 2CV for my 18th birthday,” he shared, reflecting the passion that spans generations. “It’s a car that you drive with pleasure,” he added with a smile.
This gathering of Citroen 2CV lovers is not merely about the cars; it represents a broader lifestyle choice that values simplicity, community, and enjoyment. As they reclaim the roads, these enthusiasts highlight the importance of slowing down and appreciating the journey, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, the best way to live is at a leisurely pace.
