Local Tradition: Ten Daredevils Brave Ice Water Baptism

The first to plunge into the icy waters of the lake was Fabrizio “Bicio” Di Stasio, and behind him, the other ten relentless daredevils quickly followed, who, yesterday morning, decided to uphold a recent tradition (started only three years ago; ed.) but now a highly anticipated event for residents and tourists alike: the New Year’s swim.

Such a fixed tradition that even its “official cancellation” couldn’t break it.

This year, in fact, the Comitato Manifestazioni Rivane was forced to cancel the event, which in 1998 and 1999 was held at Piazza Catena. The news, only announced a few days ago, caught everyone by surprise.

But Di Stasio & C. did not get discouraged and, without losing heart, called everyone together at Brolio, near the Rocca: “The appointment is set around 10,” Bicio had announced.

The Moment of the Dive and Solidarity

At that time, gradually and along with him, arrived ten “winter swimming enthusiasts,” five of whom were women.

There were some jokes, comments about the chilly breeze that, despite the sun, blew yesterday morning, then down on the rocks, taking off wetsuits and shoes, doing some warm-up exercises.

Then the dive and the well-deserved applause from the crowd gathered on the pier for Marika Meneghelli, Manuela Zanolli, Fabia Torbol, Anna Mercadante, Roberta Carloni, Giuseppe Bommassar, Sergio Civettini, Giorgio Alberti, Roldano Marzorati, Andrea Bugoloni, and of course Bicio Di Stasio.

The tradition was upheld.