Easter is a special time to visit Lake Como. As spring awakens the landscape with blooming flowers and longer days, villages and towns along the lake come alive with traditions, festive events, and the unmistakable scent of local delicacies. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or simply a scenic break, Easter on Lake Como offers a perfect blend of authenticity and beauty.
Time-honored traditions
Easter in Italy is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, and Lake Como is no exception. Many towns host solemn yet evocative religious processions on Good Friday (Venerdì Santo), where participants carry statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ through the streets, accompanied by candlelight and choral music.
In places like Menaggio, Cernobbio, and Bellagio, these processions offer a moving glimpse into local spirituality. On Easter Sunday, church bells ring across the lake, and communities gather for festive masses often followed by shared meals.
Another lesser-known tradition is the “scoppio del carro”, or explosion of the cart, which can occasionally be seen in nearby towns. While the most famous version takes place in Florence, some villages in Lombardy echo similar customs, celebrating with fireworks, music, and bells to symbolize the resurrection.
Easter events and things to do
While Easter remains a time of reflection, Lake Como offers plenty of ways to enjoy the festive long weekend outdoors:
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Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi reopen their gardens in full bloom, offering stunning displays of camellias, tulips, and azaleas — perfect for a spring stroll.
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Lake cruises resume regular schedules, allowing visitors to hop between lakeside towns like Varenna, Tremezzo, and Lenno with ease. Easter weekend is an ideal time to enjoy the views from the water without the high-season crowds.
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Easter markets and local fairs pop up in various towns, often featuring handcrafted goods, traditional sweets, and artisan products. Keep an eye on event calendars in Como, Lecco, and Gravedona for family-friendly activities and live performances.
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For families, many towns host Easter egg hunts in parks or villa gardens, especially in Cernobbio and Bellagio, where tourism blends seamlessly with community traditions.
Flavors of Easter: what to taste
No Italian celebration is complete without a feast, and Easter on Lake Como is a showcase of both tradition and creativity in the kitchen.
Start your Easter meal with casoncelli alla comasca, a local variation of stuffed pasta, or risotto with perch, a classic lake delicacy. Lamb is often the centerpiece of Easter lunch, roasted with herbs and served with seasonal vegetables.For dessert, don’t miss the Colomba Pasquale – a soft, dove-shaped cake topped with almonds and pearl sugar. Many bakeries in Como and the surrounding villages bake artisanal versions, some infused with citrus, chocolate, or even local grappa.
Another must-try is Resta di Como, a traditional Easter bread flavored with orange and anise, often shaped into a figure-eight or braided loaf. You’ll find it in historic bakeries like Panificio Vago in Como or Pasticceria Poletti in Cernobbio.
Pair everything with a glass of local Moscato di Scanzo or a refreshing Domasino white wine, and you’ll have a meal to remember.
Why Easter is a perfect time to visit Lake Como
With fewer tourists compared to summer, Easter allows you to enjoy Lake Como at a slower pace. The mix of spiritual depth, culinary heritage, and natural rebirth makes this time of year particularly enchanting.
Whether you’re joining a village procession, sailing across the lake, or sharing a slice of Colomba with loved ones, Easter on Lake Como invites you to experience tradition and renewal in one of Italy’s most timeless landscapes.
