A Night of Lights and Fires in Praiano
Music and performances in a set that has no equals in the world
Every year at the very end of July or very beginning of August, Praiano hosts the Luminaria di San Domenico reviving a tradition that began in 1606, when the the first Dominican monks moved to the convent of Santa Maria a Castro, high on the mountain over Praiano, from the Sanità neighborhood of Naples.
In the past, the Praianesi would keep dry branches of vines, trees and shrubs, to burn on the day of San Domenico in their garden while lightening up their homes with torches.
The festival today still has active participation from the local community of Praiano. People adorn their terraces, windows and streets with wax and oil candles. Particularly striking is the decorum of Piazza San Gennaro, illuminated every night by about thousands of candles. The festival includes a performance by “fire artists” in Piazza San Gennaro.
Watch the video of the 2014 show
Watch the video of the 2013 show
Watch the movie of another 2013 performance