The Vikings of Italy: Midgard Viking Fest

Situated in Lombardy by the banks of the River Po, the picturesque town of Viadana is perhaps not the first place you would expect to find a horde of marauding Vikings. 

But that is precisely what you will encounter each year in mid-September when the Midgard Viking Fest camps out in full force over a long, fun-filled weekend.

Damiano Rosati, the main organizer and event chair, explains how an intimate gathering instigated ten years ago by a small group of reenactment enthusiasts today attracts hundreds of volunteers and thousands of visitors from all over Italy and beyond.

Looking north 

As Damiano told The Viking Herald, his interest in the Vikings began in childhood when he discovered a natural affinity for northern Europe - a feeling not entirely unusual in Lombardy, which sits at the intersection of the continent's north-south divide. 

"I sense a connection with both northern Europe and the territories of the early Germanic peoples. I feel estranged from the Italian, Latin, and Mediterranean people, culture, and lifestyle," he explains. 

Damiano is careful to stress, however, that this sentiment is purely cultural: "This is not a political, racial or religious conviction – I hate affected displays of that nature. It is simply the culture I feel closest to." 

While Viking reenactment is still a niche interest in Italy, Damiano Rosati's Midgard Viking Fest exemplifies the growing enthusiasm for Norse culture. Photo: Midgard Viking Fest

The Italian scene 

It is this passion for northern and Nordic culture that led Damiano and his friends to form a reenactment group, Fjording.Sønner.Hirð, of which he is the jarl. 

As Damiano explains, while both historical reenactment and the Vikings are still somewhat niche interests in Italy, there is also a growing interest in Norse culture.

"In Italy, the first Viking reenactors appeared in the mid-1980s. The number of people involved is still very limited, but has accelerated thanks to the Vikings series and bands like the Norwegian group Wardruna.

"The interest of the Italians in the Vikings comes from various sources," Damiano continues.

"But many people are connected to the metal world – where around 80% of the reenactors are from. Others might come from academia, spiritual organizations, or other groups." 

• READ MORE: The Viking history of Italy: A primer 

Since its inception in 2013, the Lombardy Midgard Viking Fest has evolved into a significant annual event, drawing 10-15 reenactment groups and thousands of attendees. Photo: Midgard Viking Fest

The jarl decides 

The festival began in 2013 as a simple meeting point for the Fjording.Sønner.Hirð reenactment group. But as other reenactment organizations and friends wanted to join in the fun, the event inevitably grew. 

Damiano, a DJ specialized in historical music, believes it was in part the group's philosophy that attracted others.

"We wanted a rigorous historical and informative approach. Being the first edition of a public event dedicated to Norse culture also immediately made it a point of reference for the entire Viking reenactment circuit in Italy." 

Today, the Lombardy Midgard Viking Fest is a major event involving 10-15 reenactment groups and thousands of visitors each year.

"I am the creator and the sole organizer of every aspect of Midgard. The initiative is a way of expressing my way of living and experiencing historical reenactment and the Norse ethic, inspired, of course, by the other meetings in northern Europe." 

Unlike many commercialized reenactment events, Midgard prioritizes authenticity, emphasizing private gatherings over public entertainment. Photo: Midgard Viking Fest

A private event made public

In contrast to many historical reenactment events that lean heavily on entertainment, commercialization, and tourism, Midgard stands apart, staying true to its roots.

Damiano elaborates, "In Italy, there are no official historical events for the Viking Age – there are around 450 reenactors, and most of their activity usually takes place in a private setting."

"My ethical and organizational format focuses on activities that are part of a private gathering – we don't offer entertainment or exhibitions." 

"Instead, we conduct reenactments through training and experimentation as if the public wasn't there. I'm extremely stubborn on this point."

Damiano has indeed been diligent in preserving an intimate and authentic ambiance for Midgard, steering clear of showiness.

"The strict authenticity of the historical camp and the activities you can find within are crucial to the event. I would say Midgard is best described as an event open to the public, not for the public." 

• READ MORE: What did a day in the life of a Viking look like?

While Midgard prioritizes authentic reenactment, it also showcases a diverse range of cultural activities and carefully chosen exhibitors. Photo: Midgard Viking Fest

Time to explore

That doesn't mean, however, that visitors to the event will leave disappointed or that they won't be entertained – far from it. 

"On top of the reenactments, we also have cultural initiatives such as conferences, workshops, and stage events, as well as shows from two bands, dancers, and my own DJ set."

There are around 50 carefully selected exhibitors. Many showcase Norse or historical themes, focusing mainly on high-quality artisanal products. 

"We have also attracted some sponsors and partners who usually help me organize the event," Damiano adds.

There is also an international flavor to the festival, with reenactors and merchants traveling from countries including Austria, Poland, and France, and people from all over Europe arriving to view the authentic Viking encampment. 

As always, the 2023 event was a tremendous success, attracting more than 200 reenactors and a total of 4,500 visitors.

Now, Damiano's next task is to start preparations for the 2024 edition. 

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