The oldest historic festival on Lake Como is that annual Sagra de San Giovanni, which is held on the last weekend of June, around St. John’s Day. It is a weekend long festival of folk art and old world charms. The main attraction comes after sundown. This is when hundreds of floating lamps are cast onto the lake, and this is accompanied by a series of fireworks. This festival of lights illuminates the lake and makes for a spectacular sight that continues into the early hours of the morning. The next day doesn’t start late however. The locals continue the celebration with an early morning parade of decorated boats, following by a full day of folk dancing, traditional music and plenty of tasty food.

Each September there is also a historical re-enactment of the Palio del Baradello, which recreates the regions struggles against the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century. This event includes re-enactments with period costumes and makes visitors feel like they’ve taken a trip back to the Middle Ages.

September is also when the traditional rowing race on Lake Como takes place. Palio Remiero del Lario attracts teams from around Lombardy, who come to take part in the grueling competitions.