Depth Dive into the 2024 Italian Koi Show
A Personal Journey
The invitation to the 2024 Italian Koi Show came as a welcome surprise. As a loyal visitor and participant in the Italian koi community, my expectations for this year are high. The show, which holds a special place in my heart promises to be another unforgettable experience.
That earlier show I attended in Italy was special because we, from the Netherlands, brought the competition vessels to Italy. That was in 2017. This gesture of cooperation was greatly appreciated by Italian koi enthusiasts. It was a testament to the brotherly bonds within our community and the shared passion for these beautiful fish. Shining Phantom by Markus Schmidt managed to capture the title there.
The Beginning of A New Era
After the show in Cesna, however, a rift developed between the organizers, leading to a pause in the continuity of the shows. But, the koi spirit is resilient. A workshop in Parma, where I was invited to speak, laid the foundation for a new beginning. The enthusiastic reception and joint barbecue afterwards strengthened our bond and desire to create something great again.
See also:
Alle Major Awards van de Italian Koi Show 2022
Alle Major awards van de Italian Koi Show 2023
From this confluence emerged the new Italian Koi Association, an association with the mission of putting Italy back on the map in the koi world. Thanks to the efforts of this group, and with the help of the international network, the Italian Koi Show has become a world-class event.
Expectations for Italian koi show 2024
This year the show is once again in Cremona, competing for the coveted Mountain Tree Cup, an event not to be missed. I am especially looking forward to the quality of the koi. I expect that now that the show is established and there is also a continuous walk-through system and adequate assistance in case of emergencies; this will increase confidence that experienced hobbyists and dealers will also bring their more valuable fish. Last year’s show was already bigger, while six contestants did not come because of flooding due to heavy rains in Italy. The diversity and beauty of the participating fish, along with the strict judging criteria based on Japanese standards make this show an attractive one to visit.
The Italian Koi Expo has gained an excellent reputation thanks to these learning experiences from the Netherlands and Belgium
What further makes this event special is its commitment to quality and biosecurity. Thus, there is a continuous flow system as mentioned where the water is thus constantly refreshed with clean water and as much is drained through and overflow. The Italian Koi Expo has gained an excellent reputation thanks to these learning experiences from the Netherlands and Belgium. It shows the dedication to the health and well-being of the koi.
New in Cremona
In addition to the existing sponsors of the Italian Koi Show 2024 including loyal main sponsor Mountain Tree, known for their ceramic filter media and Japanese mats, there is now a new food sponsor; Ichi Food. There is also a veritable Koi Expo raffle this year with more than 90 prizes offered by 15 different brands and companies. `You can think of feed, bacteria, vouchers etc.
The Champions of Tomorrow
Last year it was the unexpected victory of the Grand Champion that surprised everyone. Matteo Bondioli is the name of the avid hobbyist who ran away with the title with his SFF Kohaku. This year the question is who will take this title. Will it be a well-known champion, or perhaps a newcomer?Also, every year there are still fish from Italian breeders who manage to take a prize.
Final thoughts
The 2024 Italian koi show is more than an event; it is an annual reunion that reminds us of the beauty of our hobby and the strength of our community. As I look forward to the new edition, I hope the show continues to grow and inspire, and that I can continue to capture the splendor of the koi through my lens. Forza ragazzi!
More info? Check out the show’s website!