Italian Symbols Shine at Garda Event Celebrating Riva, Ferrari, and Tornado Jets

Three full days spent admiring that mahogany wood polished as it was half a century ago, or that fiery red, perhaps the only one of its kind in the world, or that “monstrous” engine that propels an airplane into the sky—proud display of our **Aeronautica militare**.

Three symbols, which after fashion have undoubtedly marked an era, were at the heart of a festival that drew thousands of visitors between Desenzano and Sirmione. These visitors scrutinized these “jewels” on display: Riva speedboats, once owned even by the Shah of Persia or King Hussein of Jordan, Ferraris that race across all parts of the globe, and finally, Tornado jets—though military instruments, they are fully part of **made in Italy**.

Raising awareness of Italian symbols

“**Symbol & Symbol**” thus not only captured curiosity but also the affection of the crowd during this weekend, when everyone’s thoughts turned to holidays. The idea to fill the lakeside and the historic centers of the two Garda towns with Riva boats, Ferraris, and Tornado jets was conceived by Curzio Moretti, owner of the eponymous sailing yard in Sirmione, and Renzo Bressanelli from Verona, head of the **Ferrari Club Scaligero**.

Both, who share refined taste, managed to seize the right moment—a moment when the symbols of our **made in Italy** have experienced an explosion in recent years after being largely forgotten. This is especially true for Riva speedboats.

Festive moments and exhibitions

The event also featured two social evenings. The first was a gala night at the Sesto Senso Club, with a radiant and gorgeous Alba Parietti. Then, the second glamorous evening took place in the exclusive park of Villa Sigurtà, in Valeggio sul Mincio, attended by over 350 guests.

Never before had the doors of the Sigurtà estate opened to such a crowd, particularly to so many Ferraris. Among them, a standout was the car driven by Michael Schumacher, the F399, which last year clinched the F1 World Championship in the constructors’ standings.

Also, space was reserved for the Tornado, the flagship of **Italian Aeronautica**. However, the authorities of the 6th Stormo, responsible for the jets, did not authorize it to fly over Lake Garda for safety reasons.

They compensated for this absence with videos and models that visitors similarly admired. Ferrari owners from Monte Carlo, San Marino, and Sicily, as well as Riva speedboats from the Versilia Riviera, Romagna, and Ischia, flew in for this international gathering.