Luminaria di San Domenico in Praiano: the most enchanting and fascinating event on the Amalfi Coast

When the sun sets on the Amalfi Coast and the sky turns golden and pink, the charming village of Praiano, nestled between Positano and Amalfi, prepares to celebrate one of its oldest and most captivating traditions: the Luminaria di San Domenico.

Every year, from August 1st to 4th, the town becomes an open-air stage where light, faith, art, and community come together in an unforgettable experience.

Those who visit the Amalfi Coast during this period discover more than just a show: they connect with a centuries-old cultural heritage, vibrant and deeply felt by the entire local community.

It’s an unmissable event for anyone seeking the most authentic and spiritual soul of Southern Italy.

An ancient tradition that lights up the soul


The origins of the Luminaria di San Domenico date back to 1606, when Dominican friars from the Sanità district of Naples settled in Santa Maria a Castro Monastery, built in 1599 on the hill overlooking Praiano.

Since then, the town has honored Saint Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Dominican Order, with a ritual that is as ancient as it is emotional.

At the symbolic heart of the celebration is a dream: according to legend, before Saint Dominic was born, his mother dreamt of a dog with a torch in its mouth setting the world ablaze. This prophetic dream foretold the saint’s mission, to spread the Word of God across the world.

The Luminaria reenacts this iconic gesture: lighting fire, candles and torches, as a symbol of light, prayer, and spiritual unity.

A community ritual that illuminates the entire town


What makes the Luminaria truly unique is its powerful community involvement.

During the three-day spiritual preparation (August 1–3), families across Praiano light up terraces, windows, domes, and narrow streets with candles and handmade torches, turning the historic center into a glowing mosaic.

At the heart of the event is Piazza San Gennaro, with its elegant majolica tiled floor. Every evening at 9:30 PM, the bells of the church and monastery ring out, marking the lighting of 3.000 candles, carefully arranged into decorative designs by the beloved local group known as the “Ragazzi della Luminaria”.

This isn’t just visual decoration: every candle is a symbol of faith, memory, and belonging. Each flickering light adds to a collective story that has been passed down for over four centuries.

The “torches” di San Gennaro

From Decline to Revival: The 2001 Renaissance


Like many traditional festivals, the Luminaria experienced a period of decline. But in 2001, thanks to the vision and dedication of scenic designer Gennaro Amendola, the event was reborn. Through a project blending cultural preservation and artistic innovation, Amendola breathed new life into the Luminaria, transforming it into Praiano’s leading cultural event and one of the most evocative celebrations along the Amalfi Coast.


Today, it’s an eagerly awaited annual event not only for locals but also for Italian and international visitors, who flock to the village in early August for an experience that goes far beyond visual beauty.

The nights of the Luminaria: art, light, and magic


From August 1st to 3rd, the town lights up with live shows, visual art, and light installations. The walls of San Gennaro Church become the canvas for spectacular architectural projections, telling stories of fire, light, and spirituality in a kaleidoscopic virtual journey full of movement and emotion.

Meanwhile, the Santa Maria a Castro Monastery is enhanced by architectural lighting, emphasizing its historic and spiritual significance.

A highlight of the nights is the performance by the renowned French troupe Compagnie La Salamandre, known for their fire shows, acrobatics, and choreographed dance. Their shows, filled with flames, music, and dazzling motion, captivate audiences in an atmosphere suspended between dream and ancient ritual.

August 4th: a day of worship and final spectacle


The final day, August 4th, is dedicated to the liturgical celebration of Saint Dominic de Guzmán. The morning begins at Santa Maria a Castro Monastery with Mass at 7:00 AM, followed by a Solemn Mass at 8:00 AM.

In the evening, another Solemn Mass at 8:00 PM is celebrated at San Gennaro Church, ending with the Benediction of Saint Dominic.

Then, at 10:30 PM, Piazza San Gennaro hosts the closing show: “HORIZON”, a visionary and poetic performance by Compagnie La Salamandre.

Inspired by the words of Marguerite Yourcenar “Every innocent joy is a remnant of Eden”, the show invites reflection on our inner flame and the elemental forces (air, water, earth, and fire) that shape humanity.

It’s an emotional, almost mystical journey that raises a timeless question: what flame guides us in a world that’s constantly changing?

A free and inclusive event


One of the most beautiful aspects of the Luminaria is that it’s completely free to attend. For safety reasons, please note that entry to Piazza San Gennaro on August 4th is allowed only until 10:00 PM. Arriving early is highly recommended to fully enjoy the event and secure a good viewing spot.

For more information, contact the Amalfi Coast Tourist Infopoint:

INFO E CONTACT
📞 Phone. +39 089 874 557
📧 Email: infopoint@distrettocostadamalfi.it
🌐 www.luminariadisandomenico.it

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PROGRAM

Why you can’t miss it


The Luminaria di San Domenico is not just an event , it’s an immersive experience. A celebration of light, faith, identity, and togetherness. It’s a moment when an entire town shares its soul with passion and pride.

If you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast in August, don’t stop at the sea, limoncello, and sunsets. Spend an evening in Praiano. Let yourself be enchanted by the lights, moved by the music, amazed by the performances, and above all, touched by one of the most authentic and powerful traditions in the Mediterranean.

Shortly


At a Glance: The Magic of the Luminaria di San Domenico
Everything you need to know about the most enchanting and soulful event on the Amalfi Coast — where light meets tradition, art, faith, and community.


📍 Where
Praiano (Amalfi Coast), Piazza San Gennaro & Santa Maria a Castro Monastery
A picturesque village with breathtaking views between Amalfi and Positano.

📅 When
August 1–4, 2025
Three nights of lights, art, and performances, followed by Saint Dominic’s feast day.

🔥 What to expect
• 3,000+ candles lit every night on the stunning majolica floor of Piazza San Gennaro
• Candlelit decorations on homes, terraces, domes, and streets
• Fire and acrobatic shows by French troupe Compagnie La Salamandre
• Artistic light projections on San Gennaro Church
• Religious celebrations in the Santa Maria a Castro Monastery

🕯️Why It’s Special
• A centuries-old tradition (since 1606) blending faith and creativity
• Revived in 2001 by stage designer Gennaro Amendola
• A free and inclusive event where every local contributes a light

🕘 Times to remember
• August 1–3: Candle lighting at 9:30 PM, followed by projections and shows
• August 4: Morning and evening Masses
Final show “HORIZON” at 10:30 PM
Entry to the square closes at10:00 PM for safety

🎟️ Usefull info
• Free entry
• Amalfi Coast Infopoint
📞 +39 089.874557
📧 infopoint@distrettocostadamalfi.it
🌐 www.luminariadisandomenico.it