June, 16th is the evening when the city of Pisa wears its most beautiful and elegant dress in honor of the Luminara of San Ranieri, the commemoration festival of its patron saint. Every year, about 100,000 wax candles are carefully placed in transparent glasses and hung on wooden frames painted white, which are shaped to highlight the contours of the palaces, bridges, churches and towers along the riverbanks.
History of Luminara of San Ranieri
The tradition of the Luminara dates to 1688, when the urn containing the Sacred Relics of Ranieri, patron saint of the city, was solemnly placed in the chapel of Pisa Cathedral. The urn’s relocation was an opportunity to host a memorable city festival.
Despite the development of technology over the past centuries, Pisa has decided to keep the tradition alive. Every year, more than 100.000 candles are lit.
Suggestions: note that thanks to its uniqueness, that day thousands of people arrive to Pisa from Italy and all over the world. The streets and Lungarni are crowded already in the afternoon.
Everyone tries to grab the best place to see the incredible fireworks on the Arno waters, at 11pm. So, be careful to organize your arrival in the afternoon or even the day before.
In 2020, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the Luminara of San Ranieri was not celebrated. Unfortunately, this event will not be celebrated this year either. We hope that 2022 will allow us to participate at the Luminara.