The Luminaria di San Domenico

For more than 400 years the people of Praiano have decorated their balconies, terraces, gardens ad streets with candles and oil lamps to celebrate the feast day of San Domenico (Aug. 4).

The tradition originates from 1599 when Dominicans monks founded a Monastery, Saint Maria a Castro, high above Praiano.

“The Luminaria di San Domenico”, a spectacular event centred around candles and fires, is celebrated each year from 1st to 4th August.

Each evening thousands of candles decorate the houses and streets of Praiano, Saint Maria a Castro, and the wonderful majolica pavement of Piazza San Gennaro.

The legend: Domenico’s mother, before giving birth, dreamt of a dog holding a burning torch in its mouth, with which to illuminate (spread the word of Gods) the world. This became the life mission of Saint Domenico.

Since 2003 the event, has been commended by President of Italian Republic, and in 2006 was awarded the prestigious special medal.