June, 15 2023 ( Updated April, 26 2024)
An unforgettable festival which brings
the unique history of Lake Como’s only island to life…
Renowned for its spectacular firework
display, the annual San Giovanni Festival in Ossuccio is one not to be missed!
The festival is held each summer on the weekend closest to 24th June (the Feast
of St John the Baptist) in the picturesque hamlet of Ossuccio and its
surrounding villages when they all burst into life for the festival.
Street food and market stalls line the cobbled streets. As the sun sets everyone lights candles in a moving tribute to remember the island's most tragic event, illuminating their windowsills, balconies, terraces and shoreline. As this beautiful moment occurs, large numbers of crowds gather and mingle in anticipation for the evening’s great show, the famous 45-minute firework display that starts at 10.30 pm, when boats gather in the bay.
The illuminations cast far across the lake water and the sensational backdrop is complemented by the surrounding mountains, which promise incredible natural acoustics. Not just any firework display, the San Giovanni fireworks tell the vivid legendary story of Isola Comacina when the vibrant island community was burnt to the ground in a ferocious fire. At the most dramatic scene in the story, the entire island glows red, portraying the moment the entire Isola Comacina was engulfed in flames!
On Sunday, a traditional flotilla of
decorated ‘Lucie’ boats heads to the Isola Comacina, where the religious
procession makes its way to the ancient ruins of the Basilica Saint Eufemia to
perform the Holy Mass. This is later followed by another festival custom - the Regatta
of San Giovanni, a popular spectacle which sees various lake village teams
compete in traditional ‘Lucie’ lake boats.
With plenty of regional food, drinks and merriment to savour this weekend, the San Giovanni Festival guarantees a truly memorable moment to your Lake Como holiday.
About the area: Lake Como is a breathtaking glacial lake located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy known for its stunning natural scenery and charming towns. Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest in Europe, attracting tourists worldwide. Ossuccio is a picturesque village situated on the western shore of Lake Como famous for its beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks. One of the notable attractions in Ossuccio is the Sacred Mountain of Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This mountain features fourteen chapels dedicated to the life of Jesus Christ, offering visitors a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
Isola Comacina, also known as Comacina
Island, is the only island in Lake Como and holds great historical
significance. The island has ancient ruins dating back to the Roman era which
was destroyed in the 12th century. Now visitors can explore its archaeological
remains, including the ruins of the ancient basilica of St. Euphemia. Isola
Comacina offers stunning views of the lake and a tranquil atmosphere, making it
a must-visit location for those exploring Lake Como.
Event Details
Name of the event: Sagra di San Giovanni
Location: Isola Comacina, Loc. Ossuccio, 22016 Tremezzina (CO)
Date: 24-25 June 2024
Admission: Free
Want to attend the Sagra di San
Giovanni festival this year?
join over 80,000 people who receive our updates