Lazise Celebrates Otto II’s Historic Free Comune Status with Exciting Reenactments
On May 7, 983, Otto II, Emperor of Germany and conqueror of Northern Italy, granted the native inhabitants of Lazise the “diploma,” meaning the freedom to administer their own territory. Lazise thus became the first free Comune of Italy. The original inhabitants—mostly fishermen, small traders, and farmers—were granted the right to fish freely in the lake waters and could establish “tribute” fees: the right of “ripaticio.” The historical re-enactment of the Ottonian privilege will be revived in Lazise over two days filled entirely with history. The first event featuring Otto II will be with middle and elementary school children.
He will visit them, accompanied by his loyal knights, later in the late morning. The teaching staff, the principal, and all students will be present to welcome the German Emperor. Tomorrow will be the main day, demanding until late at night for the Germanic Emperor. At 10:30 a.m., the Carosello of the knights of “CanevaWorld” will begin, moving through the historic center of Lazise.
Historical Events and Celebrations
At 11:30 a.m., a historical parade will feature Otto II, knights, damsels, and squires. It will start from Porta San Zeno, then proceed to the grand Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, located in front of the municipal building. Following this, the official signing of the Ottonian diploma will take place, with the handing over of the parchment to the mayor. The herald, dressed in period costume, will read the diploma in an official capacity.
By 12:00 p.m., a “toast wine” offered by the mayor to the Lazise community and tourists is scheduled. The historical event is sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism and by the sister city committee with Rosenheim. It is worth recalling that Rosenheim, a Bavarian city, will be represented by Mayor Michael Stocker.
In the afternoon, beginning at 15:30, a historical procession of the original community members in period costumes will take place, accompanied by Compagnia del Sipario Medievale di Verona, the musicians and flag bearers of the City Wall of Montagnana, the historical association “I Signori di Rivalta” from Castelnuovo Don Bosco in Asti, musicians from the Musicorum Consortium of Vicenza, and the Falconers Association of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Over two hundred people, all dressed in historical costumes, will parade through the streets and alleys of the historic center, showcasing dances, street performances, ancient and melodious music, and falconry art.
In the evening, the most meaningful part of the day will be the torch-lit procession through Lazise, starting from the square, along the lakeside promenade, the old port, the Venetian customs house, and San Nicolò. Otto II will then board the most prominent boat in Lazise to reach the memorial plaque commemorating the Millennium, located on the lakeside, where it was placed during the reconstruction of the “quay.”
The Ottonian boat procession will be escorted by crews of the “bisse,” the historic racing boats similar to Venetian gondolas, symbols of regattas across Garda Lake. The entire route will be dramatically illuminated by over a thousand colorful lights on the water’s surface.
Throughout tomorrow, in the area in front of the port near the Venetian customs house, there will be a sort of fair showcasing ancient arts and crafts, organized by Compagnia del Sipario Medievale di Verona. Artisans and craftsmen will display their work, now largely out of use, as a reminder of a bygone era.
Sergio Bazerla