Sagra di San Giovanni

The oldest festival on Lake Como

The Sagra di San Giovanni, also known as Sagra dei Lumaghitt, is considered the oldest festival on Lake Como. It takes place in the hamlet of San Giovanni di Bellagio, in the province of Como, in a beautiful square overlooking a small harbour next to the church.

Ancient Origins

The origins of the festival are pagan: historically, during the summer solstice, large bonfires were lit to ask the gods for protection of the harvests from storms and drought. The curious name Lumaghitt comes from the tradition of eating polenta and snails during the procession: the empty snail shells were transformed into small lamps.

Torchlight Procession, Procession, and Fireworks

Among the most evocative moments is the torchlight procession that starts from the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and winds through the gardens of historic villas — Villa Melzi, Villa Gerli, Villa Trotti — to San Giovanni. The festival continues with mass and procession, dinners in the square featuring lake fish and grilled dishes, live music, and grand fireworks that illuminate the Isola Comacina.

Bellagio, the pearl of the lake

Bellagio, the famous 'pearl of Lake Como', provides a setting of rare beauty for the festival. The event combines tradition, faith, and conviviality, offering visitors an authentic experience in the heart of one of Italy's most beloved lake landscapes, in the province of Como.