La Scartozzera: a return to rural tradition in the Val di Magra

Historical roots and territorial identity

Between August 28th and 30th and again from September 4th to 6th, the town of Sarzana revives its rural past through the event known as La Scartozzera. The festival serves as a tribute to the agricultural roots of the Val di Magra, a territory characterized by a farming vocation deeply embedded in the local social fabric.

The beating heart of the initiative is the San Lazzaro Social Center, a space that for the occasion transforms into an open-air stage. The choice of this location is no coincidence: the center represents a fundamental landmark for the community, allowing for the fusion of historical memory with the social dynamics of the present.

A journey through knowledge and flavors

The program of La Scartozzera is structured around a series of activities aimed at enhancing the customs and techniques of the past. Of particular note is the exhibition of vintage agricultural machinery, a collection that offers a critical look at the technological evolution of field work. These machines, carefully restored, bear witness to the ingenuity and hard work of the generations that shaped the Ligurian agrarian landscape.

The corn husking demonstrations constitute the central moment of the event. This practice, known locally as 'scartocciare', directly involves the public in recovering a rhythmic and choral gesture that once marked the end of the summer harvest. The experience is enriched by the offering of local flavors, expressed through a culinary selection that prioritizes zero-kilometer raw materials and recipes passed down through the domestic tradition of the Val di Magra.

Conviviality and participation

Beyond the purely commemorative aspect, the event aims to stimulate social interaction through musical entertainment and spaces dedicated to all age groups. Live music accompanies the evenings, creating an informal atmosphere that fosters dialogue between residents and visitors. Participation in La Scartozzera is not limited to passive observation, but invites a conscious reflection on sustainability and the value of the bond with the land, essential elements for understanding the contemporary identity of Sarzana and its surroundings. An opportunity to explore peasant culture away from conventional tourist routes.