Luna Park Schiranna: life among rides and caravans
Discover the lives of showmen and showwomen who bring music and lights to Schiranna in Varese every year
Contesto
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 shi...
Dettagli operativi
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 setu...
Punti chiave
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 bas...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the showmen and showwomen?
- Showmen and showwomen are operators in the traveling entertainment industry who set up, manage, and dismantle the rides at the amusement park. They work in close-knit communities and often pass down the trade from generation to generation.
- How do the children of showmen attend school?
- The children of showmen attend different schools in each city, adapting to new classmates and teachers. Some associations and institutions offer specific programs to support their education.
- What are the main challenges of the traveling entertainment industry?
- The main challenges include competition with other forms of entertainment, the need to innovate to attract audiences, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations.