Festival of San Cassiano 2026

From 9 to 13 August 2026, Comacchio celebrates its patron saint with the traditional Festival of San Cassiano, one of the most cherished events of the year, combining religious devotion, folklore and entertainment. For five days, the charming historic centre of this lagoon town is decked out in festive finery, welcoming residents and visitors alike into a lively atmosphere filled with music, performances, local cuisine and traditions handed down through the generations. From Piazza XX Settembre to the picturesque Piazzetta Trepponti and the streets of the town centre, a series of events designed for all ages take place, transforming Comacchio into a vast open-air stage.

During the festival, the programme features live concerts, shows, a funfair, bingo, entertainment and numerous opportunities for socialising, offering the perfect chance to experience the town in its most authentic form. The squares are filled with music and colour, whilst local shops, bars and food stalls help to create a festive atmosphere that lasts from morning until late in the evening.

One of the most eagerly awaited events is the San Cassiano Historical Regatta, scheduled for 13 August at 6.00 pm, a tradition that reflects Comacchio’s deep connection with its waters and with life in the Valli. The stars of the show are the distinctive “vulicepi”, slender boats around eight metres long and just fifty centimetres wide, designed to manoeuvre nimbly through Comacchio’s canals and lagoons. The regatta is one of the most thrilling moments of the festival and attracts large crowds of spectators along the canals of the historic centre every year.

Food and drink also play a major role during the celebrations. On 12 and 13 August, from 6.30 pm, Piazza XX Settembre hosts the Plaza del Gusto, a food and wine trail offering specialities from various culinary traditions around the world, combining local flavours with a rich and varied selection sure to satisfy every palate. An ideal opportunity to experience the festival through food, amidst aromas, flavours and moments of conviviality.

The grand finale takes place on the night of 13 August, when, at the stroke of midnight, the sky above Comacchio lights up with the traditional fireworks display near the Ponte San Pietro. The fireworks, reflected on the waters of the town’s canals, create a scene of extraordinary beauty that brings the celebrations dedicated to San Cassiano to a spectacular close, leaving visitors with an indelible memory.

The Festival of San Cassiano is the moment when Comacchio best expresses its identity, weaving together faith, history and folk traditions in an event that involves the whole community. Taking part means immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Emilia-Romagna’s ‘little Venice’, experiencing five days packed with excitement, culture, fun and flavours in the heart of one of Italy’s most charming villages.