Play it
During Saint Martin’s season, the small village of Mirano celebrates its traditions and love for geese by transforming itself into a life-size board game.
Every year in November, the small town of Mirano, in northern Italy, transforms into a lively center of festivities, centered on its unique and peculiar event, the Zogo dell’Oca or “Goose Game”.
Along with St. Martin’s Day, the festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions, attracting visitors from across the region to immerse themselves in this quirky yet captivating spectacle.
The highlight of the festival is the transformation of Mirano’s central square into a huge 16th century board gamein real size. Six teams, dressed in vibrant striped shirts and vintage suits, compete in a variety of whimsical challenges.
From sack races and stilt competitions to the chaotic the hooves– a race in which the feet of five team members are tied together – the games combine physical skill, humor and a touch of the absurd. Winner takes home money for a charity venue and, most importantly, bragging rights for a year.
Before the competition began, the acrobats climb a 15 meter pole to determine the order of play, a dramatic start that sets the tone for the day. Over the course of 90 minutes of play, teams advance giant pieces across the board by rolling foam dice, with various contests of skill determining their fate in critical spaces. While the rivalry is palpable, the players highlight the friendly, community spirit of the event.
The theme of the goose festival is profound, reflecting the historical and religious significance of the bird. Saint Martin of Tours, whose feast day is celebrated during the event, is famous for being associated with geese – a connection that derives from a legend of the saint who hid among the birdswhose honking revealed its location.
In Mirano, geese have a special significance due to the region’s historic Jewish and Muslim communities, who raised geese for kosher and halal cuisine. Nowadays, the goose sausageknown as “ecumenical salami”, symbolizes the unity of the festival, says .
Visitors can feast on goose-inspired dishes such as ravioli and risotto, while the vibrant festival stalls offer goose salami, mulled wine and other local delicacies. The goose, described as the “queen of the fair”, is omnipresent, appearing in decorations, costumes and even the games themselves.
Despite its historical aesthetics, the Zogo dell’Oca is a relatively recent invention, designed in the 90s by Roberto Gallorini and his collaborators. Gallorini, responsible for Pro Loco Mirano, wanted to create a festival that would unite the city’s people and showcase their culture.
Instead of imitating the medieval festivities common in other Italian regions, Gallorini opted for a circus theme from the turn of the century, inspired by the beginning of the 20th century. This approach, according to Gallorini, creates a balance between nostalgia and authenticity.
The roots of the event also go back to a 16th century board game, popularized by court two Medici and by King Philip II of Spain. The modern version of Mirano incorporates local landmarks and customs, giving the historic game a new, community-oriented meaning.
Para Mirano, or Zogo dell’Oca It’s more than just entertainment – it’s a celebration of community and shared effort. Local seamstresses create period costumes, while residents of all ages participate enthusiastically. The festival has become a important cultural and tourist attractionembodying the Italian spirit of mixing art, tradition and conviviality.
Gallorini sees the event as a reflection of Italians’ deep appreciation for beauty and community. “A community is not given; is done through hard work”, he says, confident that the Zogo dell’Oca will continue to prosper long after his term.
As Mirano’s central square comes to life every November, the Zogo dell’Oca is a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of tradition, creativity and collaboration.
