Mercedes-Benz, the number one luxury car brand in the globe, celebrated its fellowship in Sri Lanka with the Mercedes-Benz Pageant, held from 7am to 1pm at the BMICH. This showcase event of Mercedes-Benz Sri Lanka created a new record with the participation of 753 three-pointed stars. This most probably is a record in this part of the region, if not in the world.

Organised by the Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka and sponsored by the only authorised distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Sri Lanka, DIMO, the Pageant was not the ordinary parade. For those who took part in the many fun activities in it, it became a veritable experience to be lived and relived through for days and months to come. 

It all began at 7 am when Mercedes-Benz owners from across the island arrived at the BMICH. They were greeted at the gate with a commemorative mug, with their children being given a Mercedes-Benz cap to enrich their day away from home. The cars, the showcase items in the Pageant, were meticulously displayed according to several categories. Those who came and enjoyed themselves at the Pageant managed to witness the evolution of intelligence in Mercedes-Benz, spanning pre-war era to the modern day latest models.

The Pageant was divided into three main halls: Hall A was dedicated to Mercedes-Benz, Hall B for Mercedes-Benz AMG, and Hall C for a Kids that kept the children engaged with fun and games. Fresh from a wholesome breakfast, the guests were able to ravish their eyes with the full range of the three-pointed star that has driven the world on for the past century. 

Two discernible highlights of this year’s Pageant were the AMG line and the Vito Corner. Mercedes-Benz AMG, which has come to symbolise the blend of power and performance, celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, with a range of F1 technology powered automobiles. The AMG corner which was the star attraction at the pageant displayed some head-turning machines: A45 AMG, GLA45 AMG, CLA45 AMG, C63 AMG, GLE43 AMG, SLS AMG, SLC 43 AMG, ML 55 AMG, S 63 AMG and the beast of a AMG GT. The Mercedes-Benz Vito, a powerhouse van that combines comfort and luxury, was featured in its own Vito Corner. This particular vehicle was branded with Shangri-La Hotel's beautiful design.

Through all this, guests were handed and gifted various souvenirs, including a participation certificate, along with an AMG branded posters for their children.It wasn’t all about fancy cars and displays only, moreover. There was a horde of fun activities readied and powered up to enthral the guests. With various social media competitions and a Lewis Hamilton Standee photo corner for kids, among many other activities, the entire event was truly a family event. With over 750 cars set down in various categories, the judges no doubt had a tough ride to get through before deciding on the winners, all of whom were lavishly recognised with awards and certificates.

The Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka is a veritable fellowship, comprising passionate fans and owners throughout the nation. The Pageant this year, as with every Pageant that has preceded it, affirmed above all else that no other car line could ever be its equal.

What came out at the end of the Pageant, naturally, was the fellowship reflected in the three-pointed star in Sri Lanka, with families getting to know each other and departing as more than mere acquaintances after the dust settled down. They came, they saw, they enjoyed themselves and they departed knowing each other, not as the strangers they were before, but as members of an exclusive, one-of-a-kind automobile club that has defined the nation and the world for more than a century.