Each summer, Lake Como lights up with the colors of one of its most famous and historic events. The Lake Como Fireworks Festival, also known as the Sagra di San Giovanni, is the biggest celebration on the lake. In 2025, it will take place on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. The heart of the festival is the stunning Isola Comacina, located near the town of Ossuccio.
If you are visiting Lake Como at the end of June, this event should be on your must-see list. It offers a mix of food, music, and a spectacular firework show that tells the story of the lake’s past.
🔥 What Is the Lake Como Fireworks Festival?
The Lake Como Fireworks Festival is a two-day celebration filled with culture and tradition. The main event is a huge firework show on Saturday night. It is more than just fireworks. It also includes music and a special moment when the burning of Isola Comacina is reenacted with lights and sound.
This tradition remembers an event from the year 1169. The island was burned by soldiers from Como during a war. The festival honors that history with a stunning light show over the water.
Thousands of people will come from all over to enjoy the night. Many arrive by car, boat, or ferry and gather around the western shore of the lake to get the best view.
🏠 A Look at the History
The festival began as a way to remember what happened in 1169. At that time, Isola Comacina supported Milan in a fight against the Holy Roman Empire. In response, troops from Como, together with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, destroyed the island.
The island burned, and its people fled. The event left a deep mark on the region. The festival today celebrates peace and memory, not war. The fireworks represent the burning of the island, but in a peaceful, beautiful way.
The event also honors Saint John the Baptist, the island’s patron saint. Some local churches hold services or processions as part of the weekend.
📅 Festival Events for 2025
Saturday, June 28:
- At 7:00 PM, there will be a food and dance event at the park in Ossuccio. Local groups will serve traditional food and drinks.
- At 10:30 PM, the firework and music show will begin. It will include the reenactment of the island’s burning with lights, sound and 500 red torches that are lit across the water.
Sunday, June 29:
- Sunday is more relaxed. It includes food, music, and family activities around the towns of Tremezzina.
🚤 How to Enjoy It Like a Local
Want the best experience? Here are some helpful tips:
- Come early. Good spots fill fast, especially in Ossuccio and Lenno.
- To manage the large crowds and ensure safety, there will be road closures between Argegno and Lenno from 8:00 PM to midnight.
- Watch from the water. A boat ride gives a perfect view of the fireworks. Be sure to book in advance.
- Eat local. Try the food made by local volunteers. It is fresh and traditional.
- Bring a blanket. Sit by the lake and enjoy the view.
- Check the weather. If it rains hard, the fireworks might be moved to another night.
📍 Where Is the Festival?
The festival takes place around Isola Comacina in the Tremezzina area. Nearby towns like Ossuccio, Sala Comacina, and Lenno are great places to stay or watch the show.
You can get there by car, bus, or ferry. The C10 bus line from Como stops nearby, but could be very crowded for this event. Ferries also run between popular lake towns.
If you are going there by car from the Como side, I would park around Lenno. Especially if you think you will be going back before midnight, since the road will be closed between Lenno and Argegno,
If you would like some suggestions for where to stay, and also what else to see in the area have a look at my guide to Where to stay in Lake Como
✨ Make It Part of Your Trip
The Lake Como Fireworks Festival is more than just a show. It is a way to feel the history, culture, and beauty of this amazing place. Whether you come for the night or plan a whole weekend around it, the experience will stay with you.
Don’t miss the chance to visit two of Lake Como’s most famous villas nearby: