The Sagra di San Giovanni, the oldest and most spectacular Lake Como Fireworks Festival, takes place every year on the last weekend of June. Whether you’re watching from a boat or the shore, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
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 2026, it took place on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28 — 2027 dates haven’t been confirmed yet, but based on past years, expect the last weekend of June. I’ll update this guide the moment they’re announced. 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 of Sagra di San Giovanni
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.
Sagra di San Giovanni: Dates and Times
If you are planning your summer trip, the most important date to remember is the last weekend of June. In 2026, the festivities were held on June 27th and 28th. I’ll add the 2027 dates here as soon as they’re confirmed.
While the “Sagra” lasts all weekend, there are two distinct parts you shouldn’t miss:
The Fireworks Display: Saturday Night
This is the main event that draws thousands to the shores of the Tremezzina.
- Time: The fireworks and the “Burning of the Island” (a symbolic fire on Isola Comacina) typically begin at 10:30 PM.
- Duration: The show lasts about 30–40 minutes and is synchronized with music that echoes across the water.
- Where to watch: The best views are from the villages of Ossuccio, Sala Comacina, and Lenno. If you want a truly local experience, I recommend staying in one of these towns (check my Where to Stay Guide for hotel recommendations in the Tremezzina area).
The Traditional Procession: Sunday Morning
The Sunday events are more spiritual and historical.
Afternoon: Look out for the historical regatta, where local rowing teams compete in traditional boats. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the lake’s history come to life without the massive crowds of the night before.
Morning: A solemn procession of traditional “Lucia” boats decorated with flowers travels from the Ossuccio pier to the island.
How to Enjoy the Sagra di San Giovanni Like a Local
Watching the Lake Como Fireworks Festival is a bucket-list experience, but if you don’t have a plan, you might end up stuck in traffic rather than enjoying the show. Here is how the locals handle the big night:
- Book Your Boat Early: The absolute best way to experience the Sagra di San Giovanni is from the water. Whether you book a private charter or a spot on one of the special “Fireworks Cruises” run by Navigazione Laghi, do it now. These sell out by May every year! For a wider range of private and small-group options, check my guide to the best Lake Como boat tours.
- Picnic at the Ossuccio Park: If you prefer to stay on land, locals head to the Parco Civico in Ossuccio early in the afternoon. Bring a blanket, some local Valtellina wine, and snacks. By 7:00 PM, finding a spot becomes nearly impossible.
- Dine with a Front-Row Seat: Many restaurants in Sala Comacina and Ossuccio offer special “Sagra Menus.” This is the most comfortable way to enjoy the Lake Como Fireworks Festival. However, these tables are often booked a year in advance by returning visitors, so start emailing restaurants today.
- Avoid the Road Traps: As a local, I can tell you: do not try to drive to the Tremezzina on Saturday night. The Regina road becomes a parking lot. If you aren’t staying within walking distance, use the extra ferry services or a taxi. You can check my Como Taxi Guide for the best ways to arrange a pickup outside the restricted zones.
- Stay in the “Green Zone”: To truly enjoy the festival without the stress of the midnight commute, stay in the Tremezzina area. You can find the best villas and hotels near the action in my Where to Stay at Lake Como Guide.
- Don’t Forget the Sunday: While everyone comes for the fireworks on Saturday night, the locals love the Sunday morning procession. It’s quiet, traditional, and much more “authentic” than the big party the night before.
✨ 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: