Comacchio (Ferrara), August 29, 2026 – “I have been at the helm of the beach resort for 33 years, never like this.” Maurizio Zanni, owner of Bagno Schiuma, Lido di Spina, scrolls through photos on his phone.
“The maranza have come to my beach at least four times, in the morning you arrive, look at the beach and cross your fingers. Because in front of you you can find anything, they break whatever is in reach, nothing is safe,” and truly nothing has been spared. Zanni again, who paints the picture.
Desolate picture: “Never reached this point before”
“They cut the sunbeds with a knife blade, knock down the umbrellas, steal bottles, devastate everything. Damage worth thousands of euros. No, never like this,” he shakes his head, anger and despair shared by many of his colleagues in Spina and Estensi.
Misano (Rimini), August 29, 2026 – A guitar, a young artist singing and the crowded streets of a holiday evening on the Riviera. Then, suddenly, the shouts and insults. On the evening of August 14, in Piazza della Repubblica in Misano Adriatico, Pietro Motta was performing among passersby. A classic for the Riccione singer-songwriter, who likes to define himself as a street artist: one of those who bring music to the people.
That evening, however, his music was interrupted, swallowed by the verbal fury of a local shopkeeper annoyed by the performance. The scene was recorded by Carmine Siciliano, a young Bolognese on vacation in Misano, who then posted the video on social media and recounted the incident.
The account of the Bolognese who recorded everything
“I was eating a pizza when Pietro started singing – Siciliano recounts – I sat on a bench just to listen to him.” At one point, as seen in the video, a shopkeeper began verbally attacking the artist: “Don’t be a pain in the a…, don’t you see you’re disturbing? Go steal instead.” He shouted phrases like this, ordering him to leave,” Siciliano continues. An episode that happened in front of all the passersby, including children and families. Among them, perhaps, some already knew Pietro Motta, who besides often singing in the area, has a background of studies in Boston, performances at Riccione On Stage, Tú Sí Que Vales, and hundreds of thousands of streams on digital platforms.
“The square sided with him”
Shaken by the event, the singer was about to put down his instrument. “Pietro was unsure whether to stop or continue. I encouraged him not to stop.” The support did not come only from Siciliano: the entire square defended the musician, overwhelming him with applause and cheers.
“Stop it, let him sing!”, many shouted at the shopkeeper, who then reportedly retreated into his shop. Thus, encouraged by the warmth of the crowd, Pietro picked up the guitar again and continued to sing. And what was supposed to be the last song of the evening turned into a real collective celebration.
Read more Fish waste, paint, and torn umbrellas: establishments devastated by the maranza. «They cut us a sac
“What a beautiful collective reaction”
“It surprised me a lot – Siciliano concludes – Often people look the other way. Seeing all those passersby united to support him was beautiful, despite the bad initial moment.” The mayor of Misano, Fabrizio Piccioni, also commented on the incident: “Aggressions, of any kind, are never tolerable – the mayor states – If it is believed that there is unauthorized disturbance, the proper authorities must be contacted. In summer, these entertainment moments are almost always allowed and it is good that they enrich the city. Everything can be resolved with mutual respect, especially in a welcoming city like ours.”
They received solidarity from tourists, including a group of residents in the Comacchio Lidos. They wrote an open letter, words of solidarity, an appeal to the police and the Municipality.
Solidarity from tourists and residents
“We express our full solidarity to Bagni Schiuma and Eden of Lido di Spina and to Bagni Sport and Palo Santo, hit by acts of vandalism in recent nights – their words –. The images of damaged umbrellas and children’s games cut and thrown to the ground deeply moved us. Behind these establishments there are people, families, work and years of commitment to make our Lidos welcoming and livable places. We firmly condemn every act of vandalism and hope that those responsible will be identified.”
“Rules must be respected”
“At the same time, we consider it necessary not to ignore the context in which these episodes occurred. Musical evenings on the beach, often lasting until late at night, attract a large crowd and can create conditions that are difficult to control, especially in residential areas. We are not against music, fun or the activities of our resorts.
We simply ask that all this can coexist with respect for the rules, the residents, and the right to rest. For this reason, we consider it important that compliance with schedules, noise limits, and conditions provided by authorizations and any exemptions be carefully verified. To the managers of the affected beaches goes our closeness and encouragement to continue their valuable work, which has contributed for years to the life and quality of our Lidos. Having fun is a right. Working is a right. Resting and feeling safe in one’s home is also a right.”
A list of names, an appeal for safety from Antonio Mezzaro, Claudia Gianoli, Sara Tassinari, Matteo Apostoli, Carlo Zaghi, Raffaella Jacoboni, Adria Villa, Laura Cristini, Claudia Sarneri, Caterina Scutellari, Cristina Bertelli, Fabrizio Capelli, Alessandro Ranicolo. SOS from the lidos.
