La Luminaria of San Domenico which takes place every year in the municipality of Praiano it is a very heartfelt and participatory traditional festival because it is really suggestive with the thousands of lights that light up every evening.
It is a'ancient tradition of the Amalfi Coast and this year it takes place from 1 to 4 August 2021 in Piazza San Gennaro, as always, even if every citizen can turn on, in his own small way, some lights on his balcony or on the window.
It seems that the tradition dates back to 1606, when the first Dominican friars from Sanità arrived in Naples in the small town. The rite, which as mentioned takes place in the square, takes place in front of the beautiful Convent of Santa Maria a Castro which will be decorated with more than two thousand candles to symbolize the strong devotion to San Domenico
The meaning of candles
But why are so many candles lit? According to tradition, the mother of San Domenico, just before giving birth, she made a I dream with a dog that carried a torch in its mouth that would set the world on fire. The meaning lay in the fact that the son, the future Saint Dominic, would prune the Word of God into the world.
Over the centuries, then, during the year, people began to keep dry branches, vine shoots and shrubs and then group them in bundles and set them on fire in their gardens.
The Luminaria program
From 1 to 3 August
The lights come on to the sound of the bells of the Convent of Santa Maria a Castro and of the Church of San Gennaro at 21.30pm. Every evening the "Boys of the Luminaria" light candles decorating the square, accompanied by thefire artist Vesta performing in his Ring of Fire. An incredible synergy between fire and sinuous movements of the body. This show is repeated twice a evening at 22.15pm and 23.25pm.
August 4th
It takes place the Feast of San Domenico in the Convent of Santa Maria a Castro with the Holy Mass at 7.00 and the Solemn Mass at 8.00.
In the evening, at 20.00 pm in the Church of San Gennaro there is a Solemn Mass for San Domenico di Guzman with Archbishop SE Orazio Soricelli. At the end of the Mass, the "Boys of the Luminaria”They light the candles again.
Access to the square
To access the square during the event yes must enter from the SS 163 (Via G. Capriglione) at the Tourist Information Office. L'take the exit (uscita)instead, it is from Masa Street towards via Rezzola to return to the SS 163. All, therefore, only one way.
Anti-Covid rules
In compliance with the anti-Covid rules, entry to the Church is quota and it's it is mandatory to wear a mask. We recall that in Campania thisobligation was extended by the new ordinance of the Region. Sara the residence time is also regulated in the square.
Photo source: active research tourism
