Garda Fishermen Open New Headquarters to Preserve Local Traditions
The blessing was given by a former fishmonger turned soul savior. Just a few years ago, Massimo Malfer, now a priest, was a member of the Cooperativa fra pescatori, and it was to him that the “lake wolves” of Garda turned to bless their new headquarters, located in the small building of the former municipal slaughterhouse, on via San Bernardo.
It was sunny and a large crowd gathered yesterday morning for the inauguration of this facility that seems destined to continue the ancient tradition of professional fishing in Benaco: here, fishermen will be able to process their catch, diversifying their production.
With the opening of the new headquarters, the dream of the great ichthyologist Floreste Malfer in the 1920s and that of his heir, Enzo Oppi, in the 1980s, is finally realized. Everything started three years ago when the Comune di Garda handed over the old slaughterhouse building to the Cooperativa for 165 million lire.
Financial support and institutional involvement
“Until then,” recalled Mayor Giorgio Comencini, “many had made promises to the fishermen but failed to deliver concrete measures. We believe we have created the conditions for the Cooperativa to establish itself in the market.”
The Cooperativa invested 650 million lire in the project, partly funded by national and European contributions.
The provincial administration also stepped in to assist the Garda fishermen, allocating 50 million lire. “We wanted to participate in the initiative,” emphasized provincial Tourism Councilor Davide Bendinelli, who attended the inauguration alongside fellow Fisheries Councillor Camillo Pilati.
“Considering the important role played, even at the intermunicipal level, by the Cooperativa fra pescatori, not only as the only cooperative with actual size and economic significance operating on the lake, but also as an association that promotes Garda traditions.”
Participation of other associations and conclusion
Representing the cooperative world was Bruno Nestori, president of the Unione cooperative.
Even the Corporazione degli antichi originari wanted to participate, contributing to the purchase of equipment.
Tradition and market finally go hand in hand.