The Luminaria Di San Domenico: An Ancient Tradition Of Light In Praiano
Every year, roughly from August 1 to 4, the town of Praiano, located on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, is transformed into a magical light show to celebrate the Luminaria di San Domenico. This ancient tradition, an integral part of Praiano’s rich historical and cultural heritage, has its roots in 1606, when the Dominican friars of Sanità moved from Naples to the Convent of Santa Maria a Castro, founded in 1599.
Origins and Meaning of the Luminaria
The Luminaria of St. Dominic has a deep symbolic meaning and is linked to an ancient legend that St. Dominic‘s mother, before giving birth to him, dreamed of a dog with a flaming torch in its mouth that set the world on fire. This premonitory dream indicated that the unborn child would spread the Word of God everywhere. This vision is still reflected in the feast today, where candles symbolize the light of faith brought by St. Dominic.
In ancient times, torches made from salvaged materials such as tin cans, rags, oil, rancid lard and petroleum were used instead of candles. In gardens, large bonfires were prepared using dried branches and vine shoots, stored throughout the year.
Although this tradition was temporarily obscured by the advent of electricity, it was revived and enhanced in 2001 thanks to the initiative of the local tourist promotion committee.
Today, the Luminaria di San Domenico is an event consisting of three days of prayer, during which the citizens of Praiano adorn their terraces, windows, roofs, streets and Piazza San Gennaro with thousands of lit candles. In particular, the young people of Praiano are tasked with creating wonderful patterns of light with the candles, entirely covering the tiled floor of the square.
The festival also includes a series of performances centered on the theme of fire and gastronomic evenings where it is possible to taste traditional foods and local products.
The Magic of Thousand of Lit Candles
The Luminaria of San Domenico represents one of the most fascinating and evocative events of the summer on the Amalfi Coast. The participation of the community, the enchanted atmosphere created by the thousands of candles, and the historic beauty of the Convent of Santa Maria a Castro, perched above the village along the Sentiero degli Dei, make this celebration an unforgettable experience.
To participate in the Luminaria di San Domenico is to immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition that celebrates light, faith and community, offering visitors a spectacle of rare beauty that combines past and present in a riot of light and color.
It is possible to reach Praiano by car from any town on the Amalfi Coast by following the scenic route. However, there are few parking lots in town. Consequently, it is best to get around by public transportation or cab.
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