The town of Santa Maria Maggiore, in the province of Verbania, is expecting a whopping 1200 chimney sweeps for the International Gathering dedicated to them, taking place from August 31st to September 4th, complete with a philatelic cancellation.
Forty years of gatherings, full of joy and carefree moments, but also of difficult stories that narrate a tough profession and child exploitation.
This year’s gathering promises to break all records. Indeed, 1,200 chimney sweeps are expected in Santa Maria Maggiore and in the Vigezzo Valley to celebrate their profession, which has its most authentic roots right here in this remote corner of Italy. The Ossola Valley will be the backdrop for a series of events capable of attracting, as always, thousands of tourists and travelers.
A bit of history – The history of the International Chimney Sweep Gathering has deep roots in the Vigezzo Valley. From this Alpine valley on the border with Switzerland, entire generations of migrant chimney sweeps left for France, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands: their sacrifices were enormous, but it was in the 1800s, with the exploitation of children, that one of the darkest chapters of this relationship between man and chimneys was written. A symbolic monument reminds us of this dramatic phase, the small chimney sweep of Malesco, the most populous village in the Vigezzo Valley: the represented boy is Faustino Cappini, originally from Re (another village in the valley), who, after finishing cleaning a chimney, raised his hands to show that he had completed the work: touching the high-tension wires, the boy was struck dead.
The Museum – Traditions, authentic and sometimes dramatic stories that can and must be rediscovered (also thanks to a visit to the Chimney Sweep Museum of Santa Maria Maggiore, which welcomes more than 10,000 visitors every year), colors and scents of the past, a leap into the past and also into the future of an important and now protected profession, especially in northern Europe. Together with a pinch of jest and fun: a mix of ingredients that allows the International Chimney Sweep Gathering to renew every year the magic and allure of a unique event in the world.
From all over the world – One month before the event, there are already 1,200 chimney sweeps who, accompanied by their tools of the trade, smeared with soot on their faces, and wearing traditional work clothes (all black, except for the Dutch delegation, which has always stood out with its pristine white uniform), will return to Italy from all over the world: an event capable of uniting peoples and cultures, a collective manifestation that will, however, have to forego the presence of Eastern European nations this year. Indeed, Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Moldova will be missing, reminding us of how the conflict at Europe’s doorstep is undermining the stability of the Old Continent.
The highlight of the event – The program for the days of the Gathering is rich: we recall the parade in the historic center of Malesco with lots of music, while on Sunday, September 3rd at 10 am, the highlight of the entire event will take place: through the streets and squares of Santa Maria Maggiore, a spectacular parade of over 1,200 chimney sweeps with their work tools, accompanied by groups in traditional costumes and marching bands. This year, the parade will be opened by the Bersaglieri Valdossola Fanfare. The various delegations will parade through the streets of Santa Maria Maggiore, passing through the picturesque Risorgimento Square, where they will be presented to the public, and, after a complete tour of the historic center, will end the parade in Gennari Square.
