The scramble for the luckiest numbers, piles of coins stacked on the table, the eternal debate between Panettone and Pandoro, a dusting of powdered sugar settling even on the tombola cards, and the excitement of a shouted “Cinquina!”. For many, these are the rituals that define the festive season and the moments that are anticipated all year long.

Starting from this shared imagery, Studio Sospeso curated the first tombola event of the 2022 Christmas season within the spaces of Studio Lampo. The project reinterpreted one of Italy’s most beloved traditions through a contemporary design lens, transforming a familiar game into an occasion for gathering, play, and cultural exchange.

At the centre of the event was Tombolo, a redesigned version of the classic tombola game created by Opificio Studio. The evening unfolded around the game board, accompanied by music, festive treats, and a rich selection of prizes generously contributed by architects, designers, and artists, reinforcing the spirit of community that has always been at the heart of the tradition.

Born from a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, Tombolo is entirely handmade in Italy. The set combines contemporary design with artisanal production, elevating a popular game into a collectible object. It includes ninety wooden numbered tokens painted with non-toxic colours, a large game board printed on durable nautical fabric, forty playing cards produced using the same material, and an oversized illustrated poster that narrates the history and rules of the game.

More than a seasonal event, the project celebrated the value of shared rituals, demonstrating how design can reinterpret collective memories while preserving their authenticity and emotional power.

Partners:
Flusso Studio / Upuglia / 40mirrors / Varvaglione1921 / Ceramicapertutti / Pantaclo / LOI / Mariangela Distante / Arredare / Spacciagrani / Studio Lampo / Libreria Francavillese / Xoparo Design / Opificio Studio / Ortuso