Festa del Lago di Varenna
The commemoration of the landing of refugees from Comacina Island on Lake Como
About Festa del Lago
A festival on Lake Lario between history and tradition
The Festa del Lago di Varenna is one of the most beloved events in the village of Varenna, a jewel overlooking the eastern branch of Lake Como, in the province of Lecco. Organized by the Pro Loco of Varenna with the patronage of the Municipality, the festival commemorates the landing of refugees from Comacina Island, who were welcomed in Varenna after the island's destruction in 1169 during the conflicts between Como and Milan.
The program for full editions
In its complete editions, the Festa del Lago enlivens the entire day: an aperitif in the afternoon, typical cuisine from the evening onwards, live music, and in the evening, the blessing of the boats followed by the fireworks display on the lake, the most anticipated moment. A special ferry connects Varenna to the other shores of Lario, from Menaggio to Bellagio, to witness the festival.
A heritage of the Larian territory
Amidst the mountains that frame the lake, the Festa del Lago di Varenna represents an identity heritage for the community and one of the most characteristic events in the Larian Lombardy, capable of attracting thousands of visitors to the lakefront every year.
Festa del Lago — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa del Lago, the 42nd, will be a reduced edition. As explained by the president of Pro Varenna, Pietro Campanari, "there are no safety conditions": the closure of the railway line and the replacement buses crossing the historic center would make it impossible to safely manage the thousands of visitors that the festival attracts each year. For this reason, the fireworks and the historical reenactment have been suspended, maintaining only a limited program with some stands.
Programme Festa del Lago 2026
The 2026 edition is heavily scaled back: the fireworks display and the historical reenactment of the landing of refugees from Comacina Island in 1169 have been suspended for safety reasons, linked to the closure of the railway line and the replacement buses in the historic center.
A more limited program with some stands remains. In full editions, the program includes an aperitif in the afternoon, typical cuisine from the evening, live music, the blessing of boats, and fireworks on the lake, with a special ferry to Menaggio and Bellagio. The detailed 2026 program will be announced by Pro Varenna.
Highlights Festa del Lago 2026
Prices Festa del Lago 2026
Practical information — Festa del Lago
When
In summer (traditionally between the end of August and the beginning of summer).
Where
Historic center and lakefront of Varenna (LC), eastern branch of Lake Como.
How to get there
Varenna is reachable by train (Lecco-Sondrio-Milan line, barring interruptions for works), by car from the SS36, and by lake via the Navigazione Lago di Como ferries.
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Where does it take place — Festa del Lago
Centro storico e lungolago di Varenna