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

Context

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 entire community. In him, the hope of continuity of an ancient profession, made of sacrifice, knowledge, and an indissoluble bond with nature, was embodied.

The exhibition thus becomes a tribute to this figure and, more generally, to all those who have lived and live the lake as an integral part of their existence. Through the images, the value of a culture emerges, which is not only work but a relationship with the territory, with time, and with the seasons.

Comparison with Ticino

In Ticino, similar experiences have seen the light, such as the exhibition "Memories of the Lake" in Lugano in 2023, which attracted over 2,000 visitors. The exhibition enhanced the tradition of the fishermen of Lake Lugano, with a particular focus on the last professional fishermen still active. A concrete example is that of Giovanni Rossi, a fisherman from Melide, who actively participated in the exhibition with stories and photographs of his daily life.

Operational checklist

• Promotion: Use of social media and collaborations with local schools to involve new generations
• Accessibility: Ensure free or symbolic price access for residents and students
• Documentation: Creation of a digital catalog with all the photographs and stories collected
• Sustainability: Use of eco-compatible materials for the exhibition setup

Practical scenarios

• Optimistic scenario: The exhibition attracts 5,000 visitors, becoming a reference point for the enhancement of local cultural heritage
• Pessimistic scenario: The exhibition has a limited impact, with only 1,000 visitors, but still manages to raise awareness in the community about the importance of preserving historical memory

"The lake is not just water, it is life, it is history, it is identity" — Mario Chiodetti

The exhibition "The Lost Lake" represents a unique opportunity to reflect on the value of historical memory and the need to preserve local traditions. Through the images of Mario Chiodetti and the memory of Daniele Bossi, the community of Cazzago Brabbia and surroundings can rediscover the deep bond with their territory and with past generations.

Operational details

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 fishermen, with tax incentives for those entering the sector.

The Connection to the Territory

Lake Varese is not just a landscape, but a place of the soul for those who live it daily. Chiodetti's images capture this deep connection, showing how the lake is an integral part of the lives of the people who live around it. The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into a world that often goes unnoticed but represents a fundamental part of the local history and culture.

📊 Relevant Data: According to a survey conducted by the Municipality of Cazzago Brabbia, 70% of residents consider Lake Varese a fundamental element for local quality of life. 50% of tourists visiting the area do so to admire the lake and its traditions.

💡 Operational Checklist:

• Promotion of cultural events related to the lake.
• Development of thematic tourist routes.
• Involvement of local schools in educational projects about the history of the lake.

⚠️ Relevant Regulations:

• Regional Law n. 31/2008: Regulates the protection and enhancement of cultural and environmental assets in Lombardy.
• Municipal Regulation n. 12/2020: Establishes the rules for the management of tourist and cultural activities in the territory of Cazzago Brabbia.

"Lake Varese is a treasure that we must preserve for future generations" — Mayor of Cazzago Brabbia.

💡 Practical Comparisons:

• Municipality of Lugano: Has implemented a system of incentives for the conservation of local traditions, with an annual budget of 100,000 Swiss francs.
• Municipality of Locarno: Has created a fund for the enhancement of cultural heritage, with contributions up to 50,000 Swiss francs for specific projects.

The exhibition 'The Lost Lake' represents an important step in the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of Lake Varese, offering a visual testimony of a heritage that deserves to be known and protected.

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Key points

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 digitization of historical documents relating to fishing in Lake Lugano. This project has made it possible to create a digital archive accessible to everyone, preserving the memory of a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Operational checklist for visitors

• Identity documents: Make sure you have a valid identity document with you, especially if you come from Switzerland and you might need to prove your residence to benefit from the discounts.
• Currency: If you come from Switzerland, consider the currency exchange to avoid surprises on the ticket price.
• Opening hours: Check the opening and closing hours of the exhibition, especially if you plan to visit the exhibition on bank holidays.
• Transport: Find out about the means of transport available to reach Cazzago Brabbia, both from Italy and from Switzerland. For example, the regional train from Varese to Cazzago Brabbia costs approximately 3 euros and takes 20 minutes.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

For visitors residing in Ticino, the exhibition represents a unique opportunity to discover the culture and tradition of a nearby community. For example, residents of Morcote, which is approximately 30 kilometers from Cazzago Brabbia, can reach the exhibition by car in about 40 minutes, while those residing in Lugano will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes. For those who prefer the train, the station of Varese is well connected with Ticino, with direct trains departing every hour.

Conclusion

The exhibition "The Lost Lake" by Mario Chiodetti is a tribute to the tradition of the fishermen of Lake Varese and a contribution to the preservation of local historical memory. A precious opportunity to rediscover, through photographic art, the beauty and depth of a world that risks being lost. For further information and to find out more about the exhibition, visit the calculator and deepen with our dedicated tools.

Source: varesenews.it