San Cassiano Fair - Patron Saint's Feast
Comacchio's patronal feast featuring a historical regatta, fireworks, and lagoon traditions
About San Cassiano Fair
A Festival That Tells the Story of Comacchio
The San Cassiano Fair is the patronal feast of Comacchio, in the province of Ferrara, one of the most cherished events in the Po Delta and summer Emilia-Romagna. It is celebrated every year around August 13th, the day dedicated to the patron saint, and transforms the historic center of Ferrara's "little Venice" into a grand open-air stage, amidst bridges, canals, and small squares.
San Cassiano, according to tradition the city's protector since the year 708, was a master of shorthand and literature in Imola: his figure is linked to the Co-Cathedral that bears his name, the religious heart of the festival. The celebrations thus combine the spiritual and popular dimensions, in a balance that is the hallmark of this event.
The Historical Regatta and Traditional Boats
The most distinctive moment is the San Cassiano historical regatta, a race between typical lagoon boats called vulicepi (about 8 meters long and 50 centimeters wide), built to navigate the Comacchio Valleys. The competition recalls the escape of the fiocinini, the fishermen who in the early twentieth century, in times of poverty, fished secretly in the valleys, evading the guards. The rowers in traditional costume and the blessing of the boats on the church parvis make this moment an authentic collective ritual.
Music, Gastronomy, and Entertainment
For several days, the historic center hosts a rich and varied program:
- Food stalls with lagoon specialties, starting with Comacchio eel;
- Funfair and rides for families;
- Concerts and musical performances in the squares and small squares of the center;
- Entertainment, bingo games, and traditional lotteries with rich prizes;
- Markets and stalls along the main streets.
The Grand Finale: Fireworks
The festival culminates on the night of August 13th with the grand fireworks display that explodes near the San Pietro bridge and reflects on the canals and the Comacchio Valleys, offering one of the most evocative images of the Ferrara summer. A finale that is effectively a prelude to the Ferragosto celebrations.
Why It's Worth It
The San Cassiano Fair is not just any local festival: it is a living story of a community of water and fishing, where lagoon tradition meets popular celebration. Experiencing Comacchio during these days means discovering a unique village in Italy, made of bridges, canals, and ancient crafts, in the full expression of its identity.
San Cassiano Fair — edition 2026
San Cassiano Feast 2026
The patronal feast of Comacchio returns in 2026 around August 13th, the day dedicated to San Cassiano. The event follows the structure consolidated over the years: several days of festivities in the historic center with food stalls, entertainment, a funfair, and bingo games, culminating on August 13th with the historical regatta of traditional boats, religious celebrations in the Co-Cathedral of San Cassiano, and the grand fireworks display in the evening.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (precise times, concert lineups, side events) is usually published by the Municipality of Comacchio in the weeks preceding Ferragosto. It will be updated here as soon as it is officially released.
Programme San Cassiano Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Comacchio in the weeks preceding the festival (usually from late July / early August).
Based on recent editions, the usual structure includes:
- Preceding days — Opening of the Fair with funfair, food stalls, entertainment, bingo games, and concerts in the small squares of the historic center;
- August 13th, San Cassiano's Day — Solemn service in the Co-Cathedral of San Cassiano and blessing of the boats on the parvis; in the afternoon, the historical regatta with traditional boats (vulicepi) along the navigable canal;
- In the evening — Concerts in the square and lottery draw;
- Late evening — Grand fireworks display near the San Pietro bridge, over the canals and the Comacchio Valleys.
Highlights San Cassiano Fair 2026
- The historical regatta of traditional vulicepi boats along the canals;
- The nighttime fireworks reflected on the waters of the Po Delta;
- The blessing of the boats and services in the Co-Cathedral of San Cassiano;
- Food stalls featuring Comacchio eel and lagoon specialties.
Prices San Cassiano Fair 2026
Practical information — San Cassiano Fair
How to Get There
Comacchio is located in the Po Delta, in the province of Ferrara. By car, take the A13 (Bologna-Padua) exit at Ferrara Sud and then follow the SS16/SP1 towards the sea; the city is a few minutes from the Ferrara Lidi. By train, the nearest station is Ferrara, connected to Comacchio by bus lines. During summer, there are bus connections from the Lidi.
When
The festival is concentrated around August 13th, the patron saint's day, with events in the preceding days.
Admission and Costs
Access to the squares, concerts, regatta, and fireworks is generally free. Food stalls and funfair attractions are at a charge.
Tips
Arrive early to watch the regatta and find a spot along the canals for the best view of the fireworks. Info: IAT Comacchio, tel. +39 0533 314154.
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Where does it take place — San Cassiano Fair
Centro storico di Comacchio
Piazza XX Settembre, 44022 Comacchio