Festival of Saint John - Fireworks on Comacina Island

The oldest festival on Lake Como

The Festival of Saint John is one of the most deep-rooted and fascinating traditions on Lake Como. It takes place every year at the end of June on Comacina Island, the only island on the lake, located in the centre of the lake near Argegno and Tremezzina, in the province of Como. The event draws thousands of spectators along the shores and on boats to witness one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Lombardy.

The "lumaghitt" and fireworks on the water

The highlight is the Saturday evening fireworks display, which usually starts after 10 PM and lasts almost an hour, reflecting on the lake waters. The festival owes its name to the lumaghitt, the characteristic small lights historically made from empty snail shells filled with oil and a wick, which illuminated the night of Saint John.

A nine-century historical memory

The festival combines two profound meanings: the religious tradition linked to the protection of Saint John the Baptist, dating back over three centuries, and the commemoration of the island's burning in 1169, when Comacina Island was destroyed with its nine churches during the conflict between Como and Milan. A memory that the festival renews every year.

Boat procession and gastronomic tradition

Sunday is dedicated to religious celebrations, with the Holy Mass and the evocative sacred boat procession to the island. The festival is accompanied by local gastronomic tradition, with polenta and snails, in one of Italy's most famous scenic settings.