Locarno celebrates fish festival

Casting for the prize-winning fish Keystone Archive

The Sagra del Pesce festival in Locarno dates back to the 16th century when fishing was an important livelihood along the shore of Lake Maggiore.

The festival is always held on the second Sunday in March (March 10 this year), when hobby fishermen set out in boats from Muralto on the outskirts of Locarno at daybreak, or cast their lines from shore.

The fishermen participate in different categories, but their goal is the same as for fishermen the world over – to catch the biggest fish.

The festivities begin in mid-morning.

Non-fishermen flock to the market stands where they can taste small, fried fish – the specialty of the Sagra del Pesce and, with a glass of local white wine in hand, toast the tradition.

The festival originated in the 16th century when fishermen were obliged to offer their catch for sale in the village square for at least an hour before taking it to sell elsewhere.

Now, as part of the festival, games are played in the square, and in mid-afternoon, anxious competitors watch as their catch is weighed, measured and given a close inspection by a jury.

All proceeds from the festival go towards increasing fish stocks in Lake Maggiore.

swissinfo