Published on: 20/06/2024 Updated on: 20/02/2025
Pandino and Mafra welcome "pandists" for Panda rally
June 21-23 sees the staging of Panda in Pandino, the event that brings together the largest number of Fiat Panda cars from all eras. Mafra is close to the participants, to whom it offers its Welcome Kit
It was 2017 when a group of young people from Pandino discovered the existence of a social page in which the idea of traveling with their Pandas to this village located near Crema was promoted. Over the years, after all, the Fiat"pandino," especially the first series, had become a cult object for many enthusiasts.
Thus was born, from a series of images posted on the web of Panda photographed in Pandino, the idea of creating an event called Panda in Pandino. This year's gathering in Pandino is scheduled for June 21-23.
Mafra, which has always had the little Fiat at heart, is by the side of the participants, whom it welcomes with its inflatable arch and a gazebo. Crews are also given a Mafra welcome kit with essential products to keep their Panda in top shape.
Panda, a love without end
Ever since it was unveiled at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Panda has been a great success. In designing it, Giorgetto Giugiaro kept in mind the need to conceive simple, flat shapes that would make production less expensive.
The result has been a highly practical hatchback loved by all its users. The large storage pocket, reclining seats and large tailgate have made life easier for millions of users.
The effectiveness of those solutions meant that the first series remained in production for more than two decades, until its replacement in 2003. But later versions have always been designed with practicality in mind as well, and have met with much approval. Today the Panda is considered a myth that deserves the affection of enthusiasts, for whom the Pandino gathering is a time to share their love.
Three days of fun
Panda in Pandino is a rally open to Fiat Panda cars of all generations produced from 1980 to the present. It has always been intended as a charity event, with proceeds going to local associations that assist people in need.
The gathering is also an opportunity to discover, in the company of other passionate "pandists," the gastronomic and culinary specialties of the area.
However, the real stars are the Fiat Panda cars of all series, whose myth is to be celebrated in a fun context. The special bond that binds Panda owners from all over the world creates a sense of community among "pandists" that is hard to match.
The program for Panda in Pandino 2024 includes the arrival of participants and their Pandas at 6 p.m. June 21 at the Visconti Castle in Pandino. The cars are lined up around the castle, built in the mid-1300s as the hunting lodge of Bernabò Visconti, lord of Milan. Food and drinks are provided to welcome participants, while a DJ set begins at 9 p.m., followed by musical entertainment by The Wedding Boys.
On Saturday, June 22, the food & beverage area opens at 11 a.m. At 12 noon, the Panda Giro begins, a tour with a predetermined itinerary that allows participants to show off their cars and visit places of interest in the area together with their "panda" friends.
The Giro starts from the McDonald's located at km 32 of the former State Road 415 Paullese in Bagnolo Cremasco. The twenty-kilometer route passes through Spino d'Adda (CR) before returning to the Visconte Castle in Pandino, where the party resumes.
At 6 p.m., the DJ set begins, followed by the live concert of the Antani Project, a seven-piece band playing covers of rock, ska and reggae songs. Admission to the concert, held in theCastle Arena, is free.
Sunday, June 23 at 8 a.m. is theopening of the rally, reserved for registered members. From 3 p.m. the awards ceremony is held, in the presence of special guests. Talks and live broadcasts are also planned during the event.
