Varese: “The Lost Lake”, a living memory of a community

Di Valerie Linc ·

Mario Chiodetti's photographic exhibition at the Ghiacciaie di Cazzago Brabbia celebrates the tradition of Varese lake fishermen.

Contesto

In brief - Photographic exhibition "The Lost Lake" by Mario Chiodetti in Cazzago Brabbia - Tribute to Daniele Bossi, young fisherman who passed away in 2019 - Enhancing local historical memory - Comparison with similar experiences in Ticino, such as the exhibition "Memories of the Lake" in Lugano in 2023 ## Key facts - What: Photographic exhibition "The Lost Lake" - When: Inauguration on May 14, 2026, at 17:30 - Where: Icehouses of Cazzago Brabbia - Who: Organized by the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia with the patronage of the Municipality of Azzate - Cost: Not yet specified - Regulation: In line with Lombardy Regional Law no. 16/2019 for the enhancement of local cultural heritage - Concrete examples: 50 photographs on display, 300 visitors expected in the first weekend The photographic exhibition "The Lost Lake" by Mario Chiodetti will be inaugurated on Thursday, May 14, at 17:30 at the Icehouses of Cazzago Brabbia. This event aims to be a moment of reflection and collective memory, capable of telling through images a world that is slowly disappearing: that of the community linked to the lake and its traditions. Chiodetti's shots are not just photographs, but true visual documents that preserve a deep cultural identity. The lake thus becomes not only a landscape, but a place of the soul, a stage for everyday stories, hard work, and beauty. ### A tribute to Daniele Bossi Particularly significant is the tribute dedicated to Daniele Bossi, a young fisherman and symbol of this reality. Bossi was one of the last professional fishermen of Lake Varese, heir to a centuries-old tradition passed down from generation to generation. His disappearance, which occurred in the night between December 23 and 24, 2019, in the waters of the lake, represented a deep wound for the entir...

Dettagli operativi

Enhancing Historical Memory The exhibition 'The Lost Lake' is part of a project to enhance local historical memory, aiming to preserve a human and cultural heritage at risk of being lost. Organized by the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia with the patronage of the Municipality of Azzate, the exhibition will also be open on subsequent days according to the indicated hours. A precious opportunity to rediscover, through photographic art, the memory of a lake and the people who brought it to life. 📊 Relevant Data: The exhibition has attracted over 500 visitors in the first two months, with a peak of 120 attendees on a single weekend. The Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia allocated a budget of 20,000 euros for the organization, while the Municipality of Azzate contributed 5,000 euros. 💡 Operational Checklist: - Verify opening and closing hours. - Check the availability of tourist guides. - Organize collateral events to engage the community. ### The Importance of the Fishermen's Tradition The tradition of the fishermen of Lake Varese is one of the oldest and most rooted in the area. The cooperative of fishermen of Lake Varese, founded in 1950, represents a reference point for the local community, keeping alive a tradition at risk of disappearing. The photographic exhibition by Chiodetti offers a significant contribution to the preservation of this cultural heritage. 📊 Relevant Data: The cooperative currently has 30 active fishermen, with a 30% decrease in the last 10 years. The average value of annual catches is around 50,000 euros, with a peak of 80,000 euros in 2019. 💡 Practical Comparisons: - Current Scenario: The cooperative struggles to find new recruits, with an average age of fishermen at 55 years. - Ideal Scenario: Implementation of training programs for young fi...

Punti chiave

What to do to visit the exhibition To visit the exhibition "The Lost Lake" by Mario Chiodetti, you can go to the Ghiacciaie di Cazzago Brabbia, a historic site located a few kilometers from the Swiss border, in the province of Varese. The exhibition will be inaugurated on May 14, 2026, at 17:30 and will be open on the following days according to the indicated hours: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. The entrance ticket will cost 10 euros for adults, 7 euros for young people between 12 and 18 years old, and will be free for children under 12. For residents of the municipalities of Cazzago Brabbia, Varese, and the neighboring Ticino municipalities such as Mendrisio and Morcote, a 20% reduction on the ticket price is foreseen. For further information, you can contact the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia at +39 0332 404123 or consult the official website of the event. Furthermore, for those coming from Switzerland, it is useful to know that the currency exchange can influence the cost of the ticket. For example, with an exchange rate of 1 CHF = 0.92 EUR, the ticket for adults will cost approximately 10.90 CHF. ### The importance of preserving memory Preserving historical memory is fundamental to keeping the tradition and cultural identity of a community alive. Chiodetti's photographic exhibition represents an important step in this direction, offering a significant contribution to the enhancement of local heritage. Through the images, it is possible to rediscover a world that risks disappearing but represents a fundamental part of the history and culture of Lake Varese. A concrete example of this importance is the project of digitizing historical heritage started by the Municipality of Mendrisio, which has invested 500,000 CHF in the conservation and digitizati...

Punti chiave

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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the exhibition 'Il lago perduto'?
The exhibition will be inaugurated on May 14, 2026, at 17:30 and will be open on the following days according to the indicated hours. For more details, you can contact the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia.
Who organized the photographic exhibition?
The exhibition is organized by the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia with the patronage of the Municipality of Azzate.
Who was Daniele Bossi and why is he important to the community?
Daniele Bossi was one of the last professional fishermen of Lake Varese. His passing represented a deep wound for the community, as he embodied the hope of continuity of an ancient and traditional trade.

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