Luna Park Schiranna: life among rides and caravans

Context

In brief

• Luna Park Schiranna: a decades-long tradition
• Showmen and showwomen: life between the square and caravans
• Interviews with traveling show workers
• Regulations and challenges of cross-border work in Ticino

Key facts

• What: Arrival of the Luna Park in Varese
• When: Every year for decades
• Where: Schiranna festival area, Varese
• Who: Traveling show operators
• Amount: Not yet specified
• Regulations: Swiss and Italian regulations for cross-border work

The streets of Varese fill up with neon lights and posters. Parked caravans transform the Schiranna festival area into a small village. The rotating mechanical arm of the Rocket stretches above the treetops. Someone can't wait for a drop of rain to finally say the joke before anyone else: 'The Luna Park has arrived.' The arrival of the Luna Park in Varese – which was previously set up near the stations before moving to Schiranna – tells a story that repeats itself every year for decades. Some of the people who set up the rides fifty years ago are the same ones who work at Schiranna today, along with their children and grandchildren. Some have gotten married here. Rumors and prejudices swirl around them. But what do we really know about the Luna Park and the people who work there? What kind of life do they lead? Are they Italian? What do they think of those who 'stay put'? How do they attend school? Who builds their rides?

We interviewed some showmen and showwomen, or rather, traveling show operators. They told us about their lives, which seem so different, almost parallel to that of most people. A life spent mostly between the 'square' (the Luna Park itself) and the caravans, real mobile homes that move from city to city. They told us about their work, which mostly takes place on weekends, without shifts or time cards to punch, with the uncertainty of the weather and hours spent setting up and taking down rides, under the sun, snow, and rain.

📊 Operational checklist for setting up a Luna Park: 1. Permits: Obtain municipal authorizations for the use of public space. 2. Logistics: Organize the transport of equipment and caravans. 3. Setup: Set up the rides safely, following current regulations. 4. Inspections: Conduct safety checks before opening to the public. 5. Dismantling: Dismantle and store the equipment in an orderly manner.

💡 Practical comparisons:

• Italy vs. Switzerland: In Ticino, showmen must comply with stricter regulations regarding safety and hygiene, with frequent checks by local authorities. For example, in Lugano, the municipality requires a specific permit for the installation of rides, with a cost that can reach up to 5,000 CHF for large-scale events.
• School: The children of showmen often attend traveling schools or follow distance learning, thanks to specific educational programs. In Switzerland, the Confederation introduced a support program for the education of cross-border workers' children in 2018, with an annual contribution of 2,000 CHF per family.

'We work with passion and pride, but we often feel misunderstood.'

They told us about their community, made up of families who have been in this profession for over five generations, with passion and pride, from the elderly to the very young. The video is an excerpt from some interviews, which will be published in full version soon.

⚠️ Cross-border regulations:

• Italy: Traveling show workers must comply with national regulations regarding workplace safety and hygiene, with periodic checks by the local health authorities.
• Switzerland: In Ticino, showmen must obtain a specific work permit, with a cost ranging between 500 and 1,000 CHF depending on the duration of the event. Additionally, they must comply with Swiss regulations regarding health and pension insurance.

Operational details

The Life of Showmen and Showwomen

The life of showmen and showwomen in Ticino is a blend of tradition and modernity, with deep roots in the local culture. Families working in the traveling entertainment sector, such as those operating at the Schiranna Amusement Park, often pass down the profession from generation to generation. This creates strong cohesion within the community, where everyone knows and supports each other. The caravans, which serve as mobile homes, are equipped with all the necessary comforts for life on the road. For example, an average showman family may own up to three caravans, each with an area of about 25-30 square meters, equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and autonomous heating systems.

The families move from one city to another following the calendar of fairs and amusement parks, adapting to different weather conditions and public needs. In Ticino, the main events include the Lugano Fair, which attracts about 300,000 visitors per year, and the Mendrisio Grape Festival, with over 150,000 attendees. The rides must be set up and dismantled in record time, often in less than 48 hours, to meet the deadlines imposed by event organizers.

The Work in Detail

The work of showmen is very varied and requires great technical expertise. Each ride has its own specific characteristics and requires constant maintenance. For example, a ride like the 'Top Spin' requires daily checks of safety systems, such as safety belts and locking mechanisms, which must be certified according to Swiss regulations in force since 2018, which provide for fines of up to 20,000 CHF in case of non-compliance.

Operators must be able to set up and dismantle equipment quickly, often working under pressure to meet deadlines. An average ride may require up to 10 operators for setup and dismantling, with working hours ranging from 8 to 12 hours per day. Additionally, they must ensure the safety of visitors by performing rigorous checks before each public opening. The work is physically demanding and requires endurance and precision.

School and Education

An often overlooked aspect is the schooling of showmen's children. Traveling families face particular challenges in ensuring their children receive adequate education. Often, children attend different schools in each city, adapting to new classmates and teachers. For example, in Ticino, the Canton introduced in 2020 a support program for showmen's children, offering catch-up courses and extracurricular activities during prolonged stopovers.

Some associations and institutions have created specific programs to support the education of showmen's children, offering catch-up courses and extracurricular activities. For example, the Ticino Showmen's Association (ATG) launched a pilot project in 2021, which involves the use of tablets and e-learning platforms to ensure educational continuity during travels. This program has involved about 50 families and has achieved positive results, with an average improvement of 15% in the grades of participating students.

Future Challenges

The traveling entertainment sector faces various challenges, including competition with other forms of entertainment and the need to innovate to attract an increasingly demanding public. Additionally, safety and environmental regulations require continuous updates and investments. For example, the new European regulation on amusement ride safety, which came into force in 2023, requires periodic certification of equipment, with costs that can reach up to 10,000 CHF per ride.

'Our priority is to ensure the safety of our customers, but we also have to deal with the increasingly high costs of certifications and maintenance.'

Despite these difficulties, showmen continue to carry on their tradition with passion and dedication, keeping the magic of the amusement park alive. In Ticino, the sector employs about 200 people, with an estimated annual turnover of 10 million CHF. The rides represent an important part of the local economy, attracting tourists and contributing to the vitality of squares and parks.

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Key points

What to Do to Visit the Schiranna Luna Park

If you're curious to discover the lives of traveling showmen and showwomen, visiting the Schiranna Luna Park is a great opportunity. Here are some practical tips:

1. When to go: The Schiranna Luna Park is open for one month a year, usually during the summer. In 2023, for example, it was active from July 15th to August 15th. Check the official calendar for exact dates.

2. Opening hours: The rides are open on weekends and during holidays. Verify the specific hours on the official website or through advertising posters. For example, in 2023, the opening hours were from 14:00 to 23:00 on weekends and from 16:00 to 22:00 on weekdays.

3. Tickets and prices: Tickets can be purchased directly at the venue or online. Some rides require separate tickets, while others are included in the entrance fee. In 2023, the entrance ticket cost 15 CHF for adults and 10 CHF for children under 12 years old. Individual rides ranged from 3 CHF to 7 CHF.

4. Safety: Always follow the instructions of the staff and respect the safety regulations. The rides are regularly checked to ensure maximum safety. In Switzerland, safety regulations for amusement parks are regulated by the Federal Law on Product Safety (LSProd). Inspections are conducted at least once a year.

5. Family activities: The Luna Park offers numerous attractions for all ages. There are rides for children, games of chance for adults, and entertainment shows. For example, in 2023, there was a castle-shaped ride for children and a Ferris wheel for adults.

Operational Checklist

• Check the opening dates on the official calendar.
• Verify the specific opening hours.
• Buy tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• Follow the safety instructions provided by the staff.
• Plan activities based on family preferences.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

• Daytime vs. Evening Visit: A daytime visit offers fewer queues and cooler temperatures, while an evening visit allows you to enjoy the lights and nighttime atmosphere.
• Online vs. On-site Ticket Purchase: Online purchase saves time but may not include all rides.

Conclusion

The lives of traveling showmen and showwomen are a fascinating and complex world, full of challenges and satisfactions. Visiting the Schiranna Luna Park is a way to appreciate their work and discover the magic of traveling shows. For more information and to plan your visit, consult the calculator and the calendar of available activities on our website.

'The Luna Park is a place where magic comes to life, and every ride tells a story.' - A showman from Schiranna

Source: varesenews.it