Lonato’s Memory Lane Returns for Local Fair Celebrating Traditions

The main street that runs through Lonato will be transformed into “Corso dei ricordi” (Memory Lane). This name change will last for two days, during the 43rd edition of the Fiera di Lonato (Lonato Fair), which is traditionally a showcase for local products including agriculture, craftsmanship, commerce, and enogastronomy from Brescia and the surrounding area.

The closure of the street to traffic, however, has limited the event to Saturday afternoon and Sunday. This idea, from the outset, was primarily promoted by Mayor and Chairman of the Fair Committee, Morando Perini, who has been a leading advocate for a return to the event’s origins.

The Return to Traditions

This return aimed to revive the original celebration, which later became the “Fiera” (Fair) of Sant’Antonio Abate. Forty-three years ago, Corso Garibaldi was the main gathering point, featuring displays by merchants opening their shops along this street.

In the adjacent Piazzetta Savoldi, animals typical of rural courtyards such as pigs and other so-called “courtyard animals” were exhibited.

This atmosphere will be recreated in this 2001 edition. Of course, the long “corones” of sausages and the delicious, inviting salami that once displayed at the entrance of the renowned “Macelleria Merlo”—which has been closed for some time—won’t be present.

Agricultural Traditions

Instead, along “Corso dei ricordi,” which will be completely closed to vehicular traffic for the occasion, vintage agricultural carts organized and displayed by some of the hamlets of Lonato—S. Cipriano, S. Tommaso, Campagna—will evoke the still-vibrant and active farming tradition that has always been, and still is, a key sector of the local economy in Lonato.