One of Laveno’s most important annual events is the popular “Ferragosto” or August Bank Holiday, organised by the Tourist Association of the town.

The tradition goes back to August 1961, when Laveno took part in the historic Italian TV programme “Campanile sera” with a procession of burchielli, traditional boats, decorated with lights. Since then thousands of tourists have been enchanted by the magical spectacle of Lake Maggiore lit up for the festival.

There is a prize for the boat with the best decoration according to the theme of the year. The boats move over the water in a kind of aquatic beauty contest before a jury chaired by the mayor of Laveno Mombello. A firework display rounds off the festivities.