Enthusiasts of the vintage Citroen 2CV assemble in Slovenia, traversing the countryside at a leisurely pace
A Slower Pace, a Happier Life: The Citroën 2CV Community and Mental Well-being
In the heart of Slovenia, at the 25th World Meeting of Citroën 2CV fans, participants shared a common bond - a love for the quirky, vintage car that offers more than just a mode of transportation. The event, held at an airfield near the Postojna cave, approximately 50 kilometers south of the capital Ljubljana, was a simultaneous series of parties in harmonious cohesion [10].
One of the organizers, Karmen Uglesic, head of the Slovenian parliament's public relations office, attributes her mental well-being to her passion for the Citroën 2CV, nicknamed the "Spacek" [2]. Sitting in a 2CV, she finds, allows her to forget office stress and simply enjoy the moment. Uglesic is one of over 300 volunteers who organized the event [9].
Many participants were born after 2CV production stopped in 1990, yet they have found a connection with the car that spans generations. Jamie, a 26-year-old freelance artist from Hamburg, fell in love with the 2CV during a trip to France and drove all the way to Slovenia to attend the gathering [7]. Her boyfriend, Mike, is teaching her to repair the car herself [8].
For some, the 2CV is more than just a car - it's a piece of art that can be customized freely [4]. Gabriele Salvoni, a 55-year-old Italian, traveled to Postojna driving a 2CV with friends, reaching speeds of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour [5]. His car features tattoos on his chest representing two 2CVs and the names of his two children [6].
The 2CV, launched in 1948 as a response to the Volkswagen Beetle, with "deux chevaux" (two horses) as its original horsepower [1], has become a symbol of a slower, simpler way of life. Columns of cars formed and drove along the main "road" separating two sides of the camp, each vehicle unique in its own way [3]. Some were equipped with loudspeakers, others covered in rust, and one featured a giant duck on the roof [2].
Participants sang along to music from loudspeakers as they passed each other, creating a joyful atmosphere [3]. Even when the rain dripped from the recently restored foldable roof of their 2CV, owners were not concerned [2].
The 2CV community, therefore, provides a stress-relieving, slow-paced lifestyle and fosters a sense of joy and relaxation. For 16-year-old Aleksandar Dincic from Serbia, it's a dream come true. He expressed admiration for the 2CV's ability to be driven in the 21st century and was promised one for his 18th birthday by his father [11].
In a world where stress and fast-paced living are common, the Citroën 2CV community offers a meaningful boost to mental health and overall quality of life. The Slovenian gathering is just one example of this, reflecting a broader community benefit typical among 2CV enthusiasts in various countries.
Arts can be found in the unique customizations each 2CV boasts, showcasing a home-and-garden touch as they are transformed into personal pieces of art. Traveling to the annual gatherings, like the one in Slovenia, allows individuals to immerse themselves in a cultural lifestyle, connecting with fellow enthusiasts from various backgrounds.
