The Vaporetti Race

"Vaporetti" are small vehicles with metal wheels, whose name seems to derive from the "Vaporiera" that connected Spoleto to Norcia in the early twentieth century. With the appearance of the first motorised vehicles on the scene, the youngsters of Spoleto delighted in building the first handcrafted vaporettos, assembling wooden planks, tin plates and ball bearings; once they boarded, they darted along the downhill streets of the city, savouring the thrill of speed.

The origin of the vaporettos is also traced back to the tradition, once in use among the lignite miners of Morgnano, of parading along the city streets with trolleys normally used in the mines, to distribute socks to children on Epiphany day.

Over the years, the passionate vaporetti builders have refined their techniques and experimented with new shapes and materials, replacing the old carts with increasingly modern and sophisticated vehicles, which make the race even more exciting.

The crew of the vaporetto is made up of two people: the pusher, who, running at breakneck speed, takes care of pushing and braking, and the driver who, remaining inside the vaporetto, is tasked with maintaining the course along the large snake that winds downhill, from the historic centre to Piazza Garibaldi.

During the race , the spectators, who increase in number every year, line the winding course to spur on the participants, who dart and turn at full speed, getting a thrill from the daring turns and wincing at every clumsy swerve or disastrous fall.

The Vaporetti Race is an unmissable occasion for those who enjoy the genuine fun that comes from a unique event that mixes tradition, competition and a pinch of healthy craziness.

www.vaporettispoleto.it