Scaià — Medioevo in Piazza

When Marnate Returns to the Middle Ages

Scaià is the festival that transforms the centre of Marnate, a municipality in the Alto Milanese area in the Province of Varese, into a charming medieval village. The heart of the event is Medioevo in Piazza, which fills Piazza Sant'Ilario and the town's streets with encampments, knights' areas, falconers, old-fashioned games, and workshops for the little ones. The event is organised by the Municipality of Marnate in collaboration with the Pro Loco (local tourism association).

Shows and Reenactments

Throughout the main day, there are continuous shows of flag-throwers, juggling, balancing acts, a knights' duel, and bird of prey flights, in a programme designed to engage the whole family. The setting is that of a historical village, where costumed reenactors reconstruct the crafts, weapons, and daily life of the medieval era.

Not Just the Middle Ages: Engines and Memory

Scaià intertwines historical reenactment with other local passions. Among the attractions are the 1st Scaià Classic Motors Trophy, a rally of vintage cars with non-competitive regularity trials, the photographic exhibition Ul Me Cäär Marnà – Ieri e Oggi (Our Dear Marnate – Yesterday and Today), dedicated to the town's face between past and present, and the concert by the Marnate Municipal Musical Band. Opening the event is the evening of "Aspettando la Scaià" (Waiting for Scaià), with fireworks, food stalls, and live music.

A Festival of Identity

More than just a reenactment, Scaià is an occasion for cultural and historical enhancement for Marnate, capable of combining medieval charm with local tradition and involving hobbyists, associations, and local producers. An event that tells the story of the Varese municipality's identity and renews its sense of community.