Gravedona Lake Festival

A Tradition Dating Back to 1946

The Lake Festival is the major Ferragosto event in Gravedona ed Uniti, on the Upper Lake Como, in the province of Como. Since the end of World War II, in 1946, every August 14th, the town's districts compete by building large illuminated allegorical boats that parade on the water. The event commemorates a historic victory of the local population and the Comacini, and over the years has become one of the most cherished and spectacular festivals in the Larian region.

The Carousel of Illuminated Boats

The heart of the festival is the evening parade: starting at 9 PM, the decorated and illuminated boats from the various districts parade before the crowded lakefront, in a carousel of lights reflected on the water. It's a competition between neighborhoods that showcases the creativity and commitment of entire communities, with displays that change every year and amaze visitors.

Fireworks on the Lake

The evening concludes with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on Lake Como, illuminating the sky and mirroring in the lake's waters. It's the most anticipated moment, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the lakefront and neighboring towns each year.

Food, Music, and Festivities in Town

During the festival, the center of Gravedona transforms into an open-air square: gastronomic stands with typical dishes and street food are set up in the squares, while live music accompanies the evening. The following day, August 15th, the award ceremony for the boats takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, followed by further festivities. For Gravedona ed Uniti and the Upper Lake Como, the Lake Festival is the event of the summer.