The Festa di Sant'Abbondio honors the patron saint of Como and its diocese every 31 August. For locals, the day carries deep religious meaning, marked by solemn Masses and the bishop's message, while the surrounding fair fills the city with food stalls, family activities, and traditional events.
When is Sant'Abbondio celebrated? The patron saint's day on 31 August
Sant'Abbondio's feast day is always observed on 31 August in Como. The 2026 edition extended the celebrations over five days, from 27 to 31 August, with the main religious and civic events concentrated on the final day. Because that edition has passed, future editions typically follow the same pattern, but you should always check the official program for confirmed dates.
Overview of the 2026 edition: five days of festivities (27–31 August)
In 2026, the fair ran from Thursday 27 to Monday 31 August, with the basilica grounds of Sant'Abbondio open in the evenings except for the final day's lunchtime hours. The public can still anticipate a similar schedule in future years, though exact times are set by the organizers closer to the date.
Religious heart: Masses, vespers and the bishop's message
For the 2026 edition, the diocese of Como scheduled the main religious events around the feast day. On Sunday 30 August, a morning Mass and the first vespers with the bishop's traditional 'Message to the City' took place in the basilica. On 31 August itself, the day began with Morning Prayer and a later Mass at Sant'Abbondio, while the Pontifical Mass was held in the Cathedral in the afternoon. Check the diocesan or municipal website for the latest liturgical schedule.
Basilica di Sant'Abbondio: architecture, history and special visits
The festival is a rare chance to see parts of the Basilica di Sant'Abbondio that are usually closed. Voluntary guides accompanied visitors to the church, the campanile, the crypt and the organ loft on both 30 and 31 August, with tours lasting about an hour. One evening visit even included a bell concert. These visits are offered at free will offering, supporting basilica upkeep and a local study space.
Festival food: Larian cuisine with lake fish and local specialities
Food is central to the fair, with a restaurant area in the basilica grounds where volunteers served Larian dishes. The menu featured risotto with perch, cassoeula, rustisciada, polenta, trippa and freshly caught lake fish, with most ingredients sourced locally. A craft beer stand and an agricultural farm added variety, offering regional specialties like casoncelli and cheese with onion jam.
Along the city walls: livestock exhibition and farmers' market
On Sunday 30 August, viale Cattaneo along the city walls hosted one of the most traditional events of the fair: the livestock exhibition and farmers' market from early morning to evening. Visitors could see horses, ponies, alpacas, donkeys, Tibetan goats, dwarf rabbits and other animals, with special activities for children.
Family fun: children's play area and medieval reenactment
For younger visitors, a play area operated at the entrance of the basilica grounds throughout the fair. A medieval camp with flag throwers and archers set up on Saturday and Sunday, recreating historic atmospheres. On Friday evening, a local radio broadcast live, and there were music evenings with quizzes and dance performances over the weekend.
Culture for free: museums open on 31 August
On the feast day itself, the Pinacoteca civica and the Tempio Voltiano offered free admission from 10:00 to 18:00, including access to a special watercolor exhibition. Other exhibitions remained ticketed, so confirm on the museum's official site which parts are included.
Tips for respectful participation
When attending religious services, arrive early to secure a seat, especially for the main Masses that attract many locals. Dress modestly and silence your phone during ceremonies. For the fair, be patient with crowds and follow any instructions from volunteers.
Practical information and getting to Como
The main venues are the Basilica di Sant'Abbondio on via Regina Teodolinda and viale Cattaneo along the city walls. Como is well-connected by train, and the fairgrounds are within walking distance from the station, making it easy to combine with a visit to the lake.
Plan Your Visit
The Festa di Sant'Abbondio offers a genuine insight into Como's religious and community life, centered on the basilica and its medieval streets. Whether you join the liturgical events or explore the fair, plan your day around the official schedule to make the most of this unique celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quando si celebra la festa di Sant'Abbondio a Como?
La festa patronale di Sant'Abbondio si celebra ogni anno il 31 agosto, con una serie di eventi che nella maggior parte delle edizioni iniziano qualche giorno prima. Il calendario esatto può variare, quindi è consigliabile verificare il programma ufficiale pubblicato dal Comune o dalla diocesi di Como.
Che giorno si festeggia Sant'Abbondio?
Sant'Abbondio si festeggia il 31 agosto, giorno della sua ricorrenza. In questa data si svolgono le principali celebrazioni religiose e civili, come la Messa solenne e la processione per le vie della città.
Dove si trova la basilica di Sant'Abbondio?
La basilica di Sant'Abbondio si trova a Como, in via Regina Teodolinda, a breve distanza dal centro storico. È uno dei luoghi principali della festa, dove si svolgono le celebrazioni religiose e molte attività della fiera.
Cosa si mangia alla fiera di Sant'Abbondio?
Alla fiera di Sant'Abbondio si possono gustare piatti tipici della cucina lariana, come il pesce di lago, la rustisciada, la polenta, la trippa e la cassoela. Questi piatti vengono preparati al momento e serviti in un'area ristorazione allestita nel compendio della basilica.
Quali sono gli orari delle messe per Sant'Abbondio?
Gli orari delle messe per Sant'Abbondio variano ogni anno. In generale, il 31 agosto si svolgono le Lodi mattutine, la Santa Messa nella basilica e un Pontificale in Cattedrale nel pomeriggio. Per gli orari aggiornati, consultare il programma diocesano o il sito del Comune.
Come posso partecipare alle celebrazioni religiose?
Per partecipare alle celebrazioni religiose, è consigliabile arrivare con anticipo, soprattutto per le messe principali. È opportuno vestirsi in modo sobrio e seguire le indicazioni dei volontari. La partecipazione è aperta a tutti, ma si raccomanda di rispettare il clima di devozione.