This is beautiful Omegna, a small city just 25 minutes by car from Stresa. Last weekend we came here for the San Vito festival, which takes place every year at the end of August. The highlight is the fireworks exhibition, part of the World Championship of Fireworks, which features a series of fireworks shows in different locations around the area. 

First of all, we somehow scored an amazing parking spot. Not easy at all, since 25,000+ people gather here for this fireworks show, the final in the summer series. We were parked near these boats below. Gorgeous day! As you can see many took advantage of the day to sunbathe, as well as save a spot for the show later. 

And of course, it was. One last thing, Omegna's fireworks have a musical accompagniment. So with the powerful speakers, we listened to short greetings from the mayor and a few others, and then the music began. 

Now I don't know about you, but I can't take photos of fireworks, and certainly not with my iPhone. I'll leave that to the pros. And to be honest I'd rather just watch. Here's proof: a few pathetic attempts at capturing some of the blasts. I'd say my only success has been catching the smiley face rocket!

  

 

But I don't want to you go away empty handed, after this build-up to the fireworks show, so here you go: The Finale!

Over the years I've seen several of the Championship Fireworks shows in different locations. The easiest to see from Stresa would be any of those in Verbania or Laveno, across the lake. For those of you traveling by car the other destinations are all reachable too.