Garda Lake’s Cultural Revival: Fishing Rights, Exhibitions, and Events
For centuries, before tourism became so widespread, one of the most important sources of livelihood for the riviera villages was fishing. The lake was divided into zones, over which some landowners and religious congregations (including the Camaldolese monks) had exclusive fishing rights and could “rent” them out in plots, receiving money or fish from the fishermen in exchange. The allocation of plots often caused disputes between those excluded and the fortunate lessees, which led the Corporazione degli Antichi Originari di Torri, Garda, and Sirmione to decide in 1452 to purchase fishing rights on a stretch between Garda and Torri (including the Pal del Vò fishing area) from Andrea Beccelli. Later, in 1764, the fishermen of Sirmione transferred their share to others. The tradition of auctioning fishing rights still survives today. Auctions are held in Garda and Torri by the Corporazione degli Antichi Originari.
Events and Cultural Initiatives
On December 23, in Garda, elections will be held for the new council of the Corporazione degli Antichi Originari, marking a historic turning point: for the first time in 500 years, women will finally have voting rights! Fabio Gaggia, the acting president, will distribute a booklet titled “At the Origins of the Corporazione degli Antichi Originari di Garda” during the assembly, presented at Bar Riviera on December 4, which will help identify the families that belonged to the Corporation at the time of its founding in 1452. Also on December 23, the “Fishermen” festival will take place, organized by the Corporation, featuring the General Vicinity, the presentation of the “Tavole della Pesca” by Gianfilippi, and a video showcasing different fishing methods used in the lake. In the square, food and wine stands will offer typical lake fish products, organized by the Fishermen’s Cooperative.
Book Launches and Exhibitions
At Bar Taverna, on December 18, the sixteenth volume of the magazine “Il Garda, l’ambiente, l’uomo” will be presented, organized by the Centro Studi per il Territorio Benacense, based in Torri del Benaco. The series is an essential source of information for those interested in local culture. Also in Rivoli Veronese, located in the eastern part of the APT 12 area, a new issue of “La Valdadige nel Cuore” is forthcoming, produced by the cultural group “El Casteleto”. This publication is invaluable for deepening knowledge of the region, featuring engaging essays and articles.
Enhancement of Artistic Heritage
Within the framework of promoting local culture, the initiative “Recupero del Patrimonio dell’Arte Popolare” in Torri del Benaco includes an exhibition on restoration projects of frescoes in churches and capitelli in the Torri area, held at the Church of SS. Trinità in Piazza Calderini from December 23 to January 7. There will also be two meetings with restorer Prof. Erminio Signorini on January 14 and 21, including guided visits to the restored objects. In Garda, a photographic exhibition documents the town’s past appearance. “Garda de ’na ’olta”, organized by the Assessorato alla Cultura di Garda, will be open from January 2 to 6 at the Palazzo dei Congressi. Additionally, from December 19 to 24, an archaeological exhibition titled “The Early Medieval Castles on Garda, a Lombard-Carolingian Route” will be displayed at the same venue, curated by Archeolab di Padenghe sul Garda. The full program of events for “Natale tra gli Olivi” can be found on the website www.aptgardaveneto.com, under the “eventi speciali” section.